Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joint syndrome is pain arising from the facet joints—the small stabilizing joints located between adjacent vertebrae at the back of the spine. These joints allow spinal movement while providing stability. Degeneration, injury, or inflammation of facet joints can cause localized or referred pain patterns.
Prevalence
Facet joints are implicated in 15-45% of chronic low back pain and 36-67% of chronic neck pain cases. Facet joint degeneration is present in most adults over 50.
Who It Affects
Increases with age due to degenerative changes. Risk factors include obesity, repetitive spinal loading, poor posture, previous spine injury, and spondylolisthesis. Both the lumbar and cervical spine are commonly affected.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Regenerative therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved to treat this condition.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Traditional Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and posture correction.
Limitations: Helps manage symptoms but cannot reverse joint degeneration.
Facet Joint Injections
Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected facet joints.
Limitations: Temporary relief. Diagnostic as well as therapeutic. Limited duration of benefit.
Medial Branch Blocks
Anesthetic injection to nerves supplying the facet joints for diagnosis.
Limitations: Diagnostic tool to confirm facet pain. Relief is temporary.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Using heat to interrupt pain signals from facet joint nerves.
Limitations: Relief typically lasts 6-18 months. Nerves eventually regenerate. May need to repeat.
Regenerative Medicine Approach
How Regenerative Therapy May Help
Regenerative medicine for facet joint syndrome explores whether biologics may help support joint health and reduce inflammation in these small spinal joints. The approach aims to deliver growth factors directly to degenerative facet joints.
Potential Benefits Being Studied:
- May help reduce inflammation in degenerative facet joints
- Contains growth factors that support cartilage health
- Precise delivery under fluoroscopic guidance
- May provide longer-lasting benefit than steroids
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- An option when injections provide only short-term relief
Biologics Used:
Exosomes delivered intra-articularly to facet joints
Mesenchymal stem cells with cartilage-supporting properties
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you confirm my pain is from facet joints?
Facet joint pain is typically diagnosed using diagnostic medial branch blocks or direct facet joint injections. If these temporarily relieve your pain, facet joints are likely a significant pain source.
How does this compare to radiofrequency ablation?
RF ablation interrupts pain signals but nerves regenerate over time. Regenerative therapy aims to support joint health. They work through different mechanisms and some patients may benefit from either or both approaches.
Can multiple levels be treated?
Yes, multiple facet joints can typically be treated in a single session if they are identified as pain generators through diagnostic testing.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss facet joint syndrome and learn if regenerative medicine may be right for you.
Important Disclaimer
Regenerative therapies for facet joint syndrome are investigational and not FDA-approved. Results vary. Consult with a spine specialist or pain management physician for comprehensive evaluation.