Facet joint pain

Need to know

• Symptoms of facet joint pain icon plus

  Pain in the facet joints can also cause pain in the neck, back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, bottom, groin or legs. The location of the discomfort will depend on which facet joints have been affected.
  
  Facet joint syndrome can be caused by injury and ageing. In some cases, ‘overloading’ these joints is caused by a degeneration of spinal discs, which means that the pressure that is usually absorbed by the discs is transferred to the facet joints.
  
  Symptoms may also include:
  

  • difficulty twisting and bending
  • muscle weakness and numbness

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will physically examine you and discuss your medical history.
  
  Tests they may recommend include:
  

  • X-rays
  • CT scan
  • MRI scans

  
  These scans will enable a more detailed picture of any abnormalities or degeneration in the facet joints.
  
  An appointment with a physiotherapist may also be recommended.
  

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Treatment options will be fully explained to you by your consultant. Options may include:
  

  • Massage and muscle stretching, to allow joints to release, improving mobility and strength
  • steroid injections, to reduce pain and inflammation
  • acupuncture
  • radiofrequency, to cauterize the nerve
  • ultrasound and electrostimulation to treat muscle spasms
  • surgery. This may be an option if other treatments don’t work. This usually involves fusing two vertebrae together and inserting metal screws across the joint. A bone graft may be used to help fuse the vertebrae together