Facet Joint Pain

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that connect one spine bone to the next. There are two facet joints at each level, and they help the spine bend, twist and stay stable. Like any other joint in the body, facet joints can wear out, get inflamed or develop arthritis. When this happens, it causes facet joint pain, also called facet arthropathy or facet syndrome. Studies suggest that facet joints may be the source of pain in about 15 to 45 percent of people with long standing lower back pain, and they are also a common cause of neck pain.

Facet joint pain often feels like a deep ache on one or both sides of the spine, which gets worse when bending backwards or twisting. It is common in people above 40, but desk jobs, poor posture and old injuries can cause it at a younger age too. Since this pain does not always show clearly on an MRI, it is often missed. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad uses careful examination and image-guided diagnostic blocks to confirm whether the facet joints are the true source of your pain, and then treats them with precise, minimally invasive procedures.

Symptoms

Facet joint pain can affect the lower back or neck. Common symptoms include:

Dull, deep ache on one or both sides of the lower back or neck.

Pain that becomes worse when bending backwards, twisting or standing for long.

Pain that spreads to the buttocks and back of the thighs, but usually not below the knee.

In the neck, pain that spreads to the shoulders, upper back or back of the head.

Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long.

Tenderness when pressing over the painful joint area.

Causes

Facet joint pain happens when these small spine joints get damaged or inflamed. Some of the most common causes are:

Age related wear and tear and arthritis of the facet joints.

Disc degeneration, which puts more load on the facet joints.

Poor posture and long hours of sitting or standing.

Injuries from accidents, falls or sports, including whiplash in the neck.

Repeated bending, twisting and lifting at work.

Spondylolisthesis, where one spine bone slips over another.

Extra body weight, which adds pressure on the joints of the lower back.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat facet joint pain the right way, it must first be confirmed that these joints are the real pain source. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical check to study the pain pattern, spine movement and tender areas, and to rule out nerve or disc problems.
Imaging tests like X-ray, MRI or CT scan to look for joint wear, arthritis and other spine problems.
Medicines and physiotherapy, including painkillers, anti inflammatory medicines and core strengthening exercises.
Lifestyle changes like better posture, regular movement breaks, weight control and correct lifting.
Image-guided diagnostic blocks, like medial branch blocks, to confirm which facet joints are causing the pain.
Facet joint injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints.
Radiofrequency ablation, in selected patients, to calm the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints and give longer lasting relief.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get facet joint pain. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Age

Facet joint wear and arthritis become more common after the age of 40.

Past spine injury

Accidents, falls and sports injuries can damage the joints.

Desk jobs and poor posture

Long sitting and slouching increase stress on the joints.

Extra body weight

More weight adds load on the lower back joints.

Disc degeneration

Worn out discs shift more load onto the facet joints.

You Deserve a Life Without Facet Joint Pain

Get the right diagnosis and advanced facet joint pain treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about facet joint pain treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

What is facet joint pain?

Facet joint pain is pain that comes from the small joints at the back of the spine. It happens when these joints wear out, get inflamed or develop arthritis.

How do I know if my back pain is from the facet joints?

Facet pain is usually a deep ache on the sides of the spine that gets worse with bending backwards or twisting. A doctor can confirm it with an examination and image-guided diagnostic blocks.

Can facet joint pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Most facet joint pain is treated with medicines, physiotherapy, facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation. Surgery is rarely needed.

What is a medial branch block?

It is an image-guided injection near the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints. If the pain reduces after the injection, it confirms the facet joints are the pain source.

How long does relief last after facet joint treatment?

Relief depends on the patient and the treatment used. Injections can give relief for weeks to months, while radiofrequency ablation often gives longer lasting relief in selected patients.

How can I book an appointment for facet joint pain treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel