Facet Joint Pain

Integrated Spine and Pain Services

Interventional Pain Management Specialist located in Northern Virginia, Falls Church, VA & Alexandria, VA

Facet joint pain in your spine can diminish your quality of life and prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. At Integrated Spine and Pain Services in Alexandria, Falls Church, Virginia, interventional pain management provider Diana Lam, PA-C, and Addison Lindberg, MS, PA-C, offers numerous neck and back pain treatments to relieve your discomfort. Schedule an appointment over the phone or book your visit online to learn more about your options.

Facet Joint Pain Q & A

What is facet joint pain?

Facet joint pain, also called facet joint syndrome, is an arthritis-like condition in which degenerative changes in joints within the spine cause cartilage to become inflamed and break down, triggering pain in nearby nerves.

What are the symptoms of facet joint pain?

Symptoms that can indicate you have facet joint syndrome include:

Dull aching pain in your low back
Radiating pain into your buttocks
Neck and shoulder pain
Discomfort with bending or twisting
Pain while standing
Pain in your legs or arms

Facet joint pain might come and go during flare-ups, or you may have constant and long-lasting discomfort. Treatment from the expert team at Integrated Spine and Pain Services can offer you relief.

What causes facet joint pain?

Facet joint pain may occur with aging, when cartilage in spinal joints wears down. Other risk factors include repetitive movements, arthritis, obesity, spinal injuries and problems with spinal alignment.

How is facet joint pain diagnosed?

To determine the source of facet joint pain, the team at Integrated Spine and Pain Services reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a physical exam and might ask ask various questions about the location of your pain. The team can use MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, or diagnostic injections to make a final diagnosis.

What is the treatment for facet joint pain?

Your personalized facet joint pain treatment plan might include:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy exercises can strengthen and stretch your back, abdominal muscles, and legs to relieve painful facet joints and help your body heal naturally.

Anti-inflammatory medications

Taking certain medications can relieve inflammation associated with facet joint disorder and chronic pain.

Medial branch block

Medial branch blocks are injections containing a local anesthetic, and they’re used to diagnose facet joint pain.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses needles to heat nerve tissues and reduce pain signals traveling to your brain to provide long-lasting relief.

Don’t live with neck or back pain when effective treatments are available at Integrated Spine and Pain Services. Book an appointment by phone or online today.

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