Facet Joint Pain

Defining Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint pain, also known as facet syndrome or facet arthropathy, refers to discomfort arising from the small joints located in the spine.

Facet joints are small joints located between each vertebra in the spine, and they help provide stability and facilitate movement.

When these joints become inflamed or irritated, they can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

These joints facilitate movement and provide stability to the spine.

When they become inflamed or damaged, typically due to ageing, injury, or degeneration, they can cause localised pain and stiffness in the affected area of the back or neck.

Types of Facet Joint Pain 

The term “facet joint pain” or “facet joint syndrome” is generally used to encompass both cervical facet joint syndrome and thoracolumbar facet joint syndrome.

For example, some common symptoms of cervical facet joint syndrome are pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper arms, torticollis (when the neck is twisted or tilted to one side), stiff and decreased movement in the neck (due to a “locked” facet joint), and tenderness of the neck area.

The pain may also radiate into both arms and accompanied with pins and needles in the hands.

Thoracolumbar facet joint syndrome, on the other hand, deals with pain and aches in the upper and mid back, lower back, buttocks, hips, thighs, and even knees.

It is characterised by a tenderness of the area, stiffness and decreased movement, difficulty standing upright (especially for long periods) or getting out of a chair, and grinding or grating sensation in the joints when moving (crepitus).

The pain may radiate to the lower limbs and be accompanied with pins and needles in the feet.

Lower back pain due to lumbar facet joint syndrome is often worse in the morning and gradually eases through the day.

While both cervical and thoracolumbar facet joint syndromes share similarities in terms of symptoms, causes, and treatments, the specific pain management strategies may vary based on the location of the affected facet joints and individual patient factors. 

Bilateral facet joint pain refers to pain originating from the facet joints on both sides of the spine, and it can cause all of the above symptoms and is typically treated in a similar manner. 

Regardless of the type of back pain you are experiencing, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional with a background in treating back or facet joint pain for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Hypermobility Versus Hypomobility and Facet Joint Syndrome 

When facet joint syndrome develops, it stems from either stiffening of the joint (hypomobility) or loosening (hypermobility).

Hypomobility is typically caused by arthritis in the joint, bone spurs (osteophytes), damage to the joint capsule, or muscle spasms that can “lock” the joint.

Joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, ligament injuries from overstretching of the ligaments, and trauma to the joint like fracture or dislocation are often the underlying causes of hypermobility.

Where Does Facet Joint Pain Occur?

Facet joint pain can occur in various regions of the spine, including:

1. Cervical Spine (Neck). Facet joint pain in the cervical spine can cause neck pain and stiffness, often radiating into the shoulders or upper back.
2. Thoracic Spine (Mid-back). Pain in the thoracic spine due to facet joint issues may manifest as localised discomfort in the mid-back region.
3. Lumbar Spine (Lower back). Facet joint pain in the lumbar spine is quite common and can lead to lower back pain, which may radiate into the buttocks or thighs.

The specific location of facet joint pain depends on which part of the spine is affected and the extent of the inflammation or degeneration in the facet joints.

What Causes Facet Joint Pain?

The primary cause of facet joint syndrome is simple and something that every person deals with as they get older — as part of the ageing process, the cartilage in all of our joints thins out and gets worn away. 

This can be exacerbated by injury (either individual trauma or repetitive movement) or other factors like poor or incorrect posture and being overweight (therefore placing greater strain on the joints).

Some common factors that cause facet joint pain include: 

• Degeneration. Wear and tear of the facet joints over time, often associated with ageing, can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
• Injury or Trauma. Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can damage the facet joints, causing pain and discomfort.
• Arthritis. Conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the facet joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
• Mechanical Stress. Poor posture, repetitive movements, or heavy lifting can strain the facet joints, resulting in pain.
• Herniated Discs. Disc herniation or bulging discs in the spine can put pressure on the facet joints, causing pain and irritation.
• Spinal Stenosis. Narrowing of the spinal canal can compress the facet joints, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.
• Spondylolisthesis. This condition involves the displacement of one vertebra over another, which can affect the alignment and function of the facet joints, resulting in pain.

These are some of the common underlying reasons you may be suffering from facet joint pain, but individual experiences may vary, and a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional who specialises in addressing and managing chronic pain is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What is a Facet Joint Pain Specialist?

A facet joint pain specialist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions related to facet joint pain. 

Often referred to as pain specialists, pain management doctors, or similar, these types of physicians often work with a team of multidisciplinary medical and allied health professionals to treat facet joint pain or other types of chronic pain holistically. 

As a facet joint pain specialist, Dr Mittal and her collaborative team have expertise in evaluating and managing facet joint pain through various methods, including diagnostic procedures (such as CT, MRI, Xray and medial branch blocks), conservative treatments, and interventional techniques such as facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation.

How Does a Pain Specialist Treat Facet Joint Pain?

A pain specialist employs various treatment approaches to address facet joint pain effectively.

Some treatment programs for facet joint syndrome may include:

1. Physical Therapy. Utilising targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, reducing strain on the facet joints.
2. Medications. Prescribing medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or analgesics to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with facet joint pain.
3. Facet Joint Injections. This type of targeted intervention technique often includes administering corticosteroid injections directly into the affected facet joints to provide targeted pain relief and decrease inflammation.
4. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Using heat generated by radiofrequency waves to disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints, providing long-lasting pain relief. Often patients need to confirm that the pain is originating from the facet joints via a diagnostic block called medial branch block.

By employing these interventions, pain specialists or pain management doctors can enable their patients to more effectively manage facet joint pain, helping them regain function and improve their lives.

Facet Joint Pain Challenges

Facet joint pain can significantly impact daily life in several ways, causing individuals who suffer from facet joint syndrome significant challenges in regard to both physical and mental health. 

• Limitation of Movement. Pain and stiffness in the affected area can restrict movement, making it challenging to perform everyday activities such as bending, lifting, or even walking comfortably.
• Discomfort during Activities. Simple tasks like sitting for extended periods, standing up from a chair, or reaching for objects may exacerbate facet joint pain, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
• Sleep Disturbances. Pain from facet joint issues can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, resulting in disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue during the day.
• Reduced Quality of Life. Constant pain and limited mobility can affect your well-being, leading to decreased enjoyment of hobbies, social activities, and daily interactions with family and friends.
• Emotional Impact. Living with chronic pain can take a toll on mental health, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression, especially if facet joint pain interferes with work or personal responsibilities.
• Over-dependence on Others. Severe facet joint pain may necessitate assistance from others for tasks that were previously manageable independently, leading to a sense of dependency and loss of autonomy.

Overall, facet joint pain can significantly diminish one’s day to day life, highlighting the importance of effective management and treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve daily functioning.

How Do I Find a Facet Joint Pain Specialist Near Me?

To find a facet joint pain specialist near you in Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, you can start by asking your general practitioner, orthopaedic surgeon, neurosurgeon or other healthcare provider for recommendations.

They may be able to refer you to a specialist who specialises in treating facet joint pain.

Online directories or healthcare sites may also allow you to search for pain management specialists in your area and filter by location, specialty, and patient reviews.

In addition, you can explore hospitals and outpatient clinics in your area known for their expertise in pain management.

Check their websites or contact their patient services department to inquire about specialists who treat facet joint pain.

Finally, reach out to friends, family members, or support groups who have experience with facet joint pain.

They may be able to recommend a specialist based on their personal experiences.

By utilising these methods, you can locate a qualified facet joint pain specialist near you, who can provide the care and treatment you need.

And if you are seeking a facet joint pain specialist in Melbourne, look no further than Dr Mittal and her collaborative team. 

Persistent Pain Solutions in Melbourne 

Dr Meena Mittal and her collaborative team of healthcare professionals are deeply committed to providing compassionate care to every patient who visits the Persistent Pain Solutions clinic. 

We understand the physical and emotional toll that chronic pain can take on individuals and their loved ones. That’s why we prioritise empathy, understanding, and support in every interaction. 

From the moment you step into our clinics, you’ll be met with a warm and welcoming environment where your concerns are heard and your needs are valued. 

Dr Mittal takes the time to listen attentively, thoroughly assesses your condition, and develops personalised treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances.

We believe that compassion is essential to healing, and we are dedicated to guiding you on your journey towards facet joint pain relief, restoration of your daily routine, and improvement in your general quality of life.