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Facet Joint Pain

Facet Joint Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Facet joint pain arises from the small joints located at the back of the spine that help guide and stabilise spinal movement. When these joints become irritated or arthritic, they can cause localised neck or back pain and restrict mobility. At Motionis Medicine, facet joint pain is evaluated through a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach focused on identifying the primary pain generator and guiding appropriate non-surgical care.

Care is led by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with over 15 years of experience in image-guided spine care.

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What Is Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joints are paired joints located on the back of each vertebra that help control spinal motion and provide stability. Facet joint pain occurs when these joints become inflamed, arthritic, or mechanically stressed.

Facet joint–mediated pain can affect different regions of the spine:

  • Cervical facet joints

    (neck)

  • Thoracic facet joints

    (mid-back)

  • Lumbar facet joints

    (lower back)

Because facet joint pain can mimic other spine conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential.

Common Facet Joint Pain Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on the spinal region involved and may include:

Because symptoms can overlap across conditions, further evaluation is often required.

  • Localised neck or back pain

  • Pain worsened by extension (bending backward) or rotation

  • Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity

  • Pain that improves with rest and worsens with certain movements

  • Referred pain into the shoulders, hips, or buttocks (without true nerve symptoms)

  • Facet joint pain typically does not cause numbness or weakness unless other structures are involved.

Common Causes of Facet Joint Pain We Evaluate

Facet joint pain often develops due to structural or mechanical changes in the spine, including:

  1. Age-related facet joint arthritis

  2. Repetitive stress or overuse

  3. Poor posture or abnormal spinal mechanics

  4. Disc degeneration increasing load on facet joints

  5. Previous spine injury or surgery

  6. Spinal instability or alignment changes

How Facet Joint Pain Is Evaluated

Evaluation focuses on confirming whether facet joints are responsible for symptoms. A physician-led assessment may include:

  • Detailed medical history and physical examination

  • Review of prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), when available

  • Assessment of pain patterns and movement-related triggers

  • Image-guided diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks, when appropriate

Diagnostic injections play a key role in distinguishing facet joint pain from disc or nerve-related conditions.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Facet Joint Pain

Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, symptom severity, and patient goals. Non-surgical options may include:

All procedures are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and safety and are selected as part of a broader care plan.

When a Specialist Evaluation May Help

You may benefit from a specialist evaluation if:

  • Neck or back pain worsens with extension or rotation

  • Pain persists despite physical therapy or medications

  • Imaging shows facet joint arthritis or degeneration

  • Symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep

  • Surgery has been suggested, but non-surgical options are desired

A comprehensive evaluation can help confirm whether facet joints are driving symptoms and outline appropriate next steps.

Related Spine Conditions

Schedule a Facet Joint Pain Evaluation

If facet joint pain is limiting your movement or quality of life, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your options and determine the most appropriate non-surgical care.

Book an Appointment