What aggravates facet joint pain?
Pain is typically worse with extension (leaning backward) and twisting. It is often relieved by bending forward, which opens the joints.
What is Facet Joint Disease?
Pain from facet joints often worsens with standing, twisting, or bending backward. We utilize precise diagnostic injections to confirm the joints as the source of pain and provide long-term relief through advanced treatments.
Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Disease
Typical signs of facet joint disease include:
- Persistent, dull, aching pain in the neck or back
- Pain that worsens when leaning backward
- Spinal stiffness, especially in the morning
- Pain radiating into the shoulders, hips, or thighs
- Tenderness directly over the affected joints
Why does my back hurt more leaning backward than bending forward?
The facet joints ride at the back of each spinal segment, and extension loads them directly - arching backward, standing for long periods, walking downhill, or the swayback posture at a kitchen counter all press arthritic facet surfaces together. Bending slightly forward unloads them, which is why facet patients often feel better pushing a cart or sitting with the spine gently flexed - the mirror image of disc-driven pain, which sitting usually aggravates.
Facet pain also stays fairly local: low back and buttock, sometimes to the back of the thigh, but rarely below the knee, and morning stiffness that loosens with movement is typical. When the pattern fits, a diagnostic medial branch block - numbing the small nerves that carry the joint's pain signal - confirms it, and patients whose pain switches off are candidates for radiofrequency ablation of those same nerves for longer-lasting relief.
Causes and Risks of Facet Joint Disease
Aging is the primary factor, but history of spinal injury, obesity, and degenerative disc disease can accelerate joint wear. Repetitive heavy lifting also places undue stress on these joints.
Non-Surgical Joint Relief for Facet Joint Disease
We offer several non-operative paths to manage facet joint pain.
- Targeted outside rehabilitation and posture training
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for long-term relief
- Low-impact aerobic exercise
Surgical Stabilization for Facet Joint Disease
In rare cases where conservative care is not enough, surgical stabilization may be considered to eliminate painful motion at the joint.
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Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer facet joint disease evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do facet joint injections last?
Diagnostic injections last hours. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which burns the nerve, can provide relief for 6 to 12 months or longer.
Is facet joint disease the same as arthritis?
Yes. Facet joint disease is effectively osteoarthritis of the spine. The cartilage between the facet joints wears down, causing bone-on-bone friction.
Can facet joint disease cause leg pain?
Yes, but unlike sciatica (which goes to the foot), facet pain typically radiates only to the buttocks or back of the thigh (referred pain).
What is the best sleeping position for facet pain?
Sleeping on your side with knees curled up (fetal position) opens the facet joints and relieves pressure, reducing morning stiffness.
