The facet joints are small paired joints at the back of every spinal segment. They are a common source of pain and a commonly missed one.
What it is
They are true synovial joints and they develop arthritis like any other joint. They are also strained in whiplash and in extension injuries.
Facet pain does not appear on imaging in a way that proves it is the source — degeneration is nearly universal past middle age. Diagnosis is made by medial branch block.
How it usually presents
- One-sided pain, worse on leaning backward and rotating.
- Referred pain into the shoulder blade (neck) or buttock and thigh (low back), but usually not past the knee.
- Stiff and sore in the morning, easing with movement, worse again by evening.
How we treat it
- Medial branch blocks to confirm the level and side.
- Radiofrequency ablation where blocks give clear temporary relief — this typically lasts many months.
- Physical therapy to unload the joints.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.
Common questions
Why do I need two blocks before ablation?
Because a single positive block has a meaningful false-positive rate. Confirming twice before a longer-lasting procedure is the standard for good reason.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Or text (314) 886-5902 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.