Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine. They help guide movement in the neck and lower back.
Can facet joints cause pain?
They may contribute to back or neck pain and stiffness. However, age-related changes in these joints are common on scans, including in people without pain. A scan alone cannot prove that a particular facet joint is the source of symptoms.
How is it treated?
Care usually starts with activity advice, exercise, physiotherapy and appropriate medication. If pain remains troublesome and the pattern suggests a facet joint source, Professor Bateman may discuss medial branch block injections.
The medial branch nerves carry pain signals from the facet joints. A small amount of local anaesthetic is placed near these nerves as a test. You record whether your usual pain improves while the anaesthetic is active.
A helpful response may support consideration of radiofrequency denervation, which uses heat to interrupt pain signals for a period of time. Neither procedure guarantees complete relief but they can help reduce pain levels.
Read about medial branch blocks →
Read about radiofrequency denervation →
