Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in Palm Coast, FL

A stiff, aching back or neck that gets worse when you twist, arch backward, or stand up after sitting a while often points to a source people don’t expect: the small joints running down each side of your spine. Facet joint syndrome is one of the most common causes of spine pain we treat at Seaside Spine and Pain Center.

What facet joint syndrome feels like

The facet joints are paired joints on either side of your spine that let it bend, twist, and flex. When they become irritated or arthritic, you might notice:

• A deep, localized ache in the neck or lower back
• Stiffness that’s worse in the morning or after sitting still
• Pain that increases with twisting, arching backward, or standing from a seated position
• Pain that sometimes spreads into the shoulder, buttock, or upper thigh, without the sharp, traveling quality of nerve pain

Many people assume this kind of stiffness is just a normal part of getting older and quietly stop doing the things that aggravate it — skipping golf, avoiding certain stretches, moving more cautiously in general. Facet joint syndrome is a specific, identifiable cause, and identifying it is what opens up real treatment options.

What’s actually happening in your spine

Facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a lubricating capsule, much like the joints in your knee or hip. Over time — from wear and tear, injury, or general arthritic changes — that cartilage can break down and the joint capsule can become inflamed. Small nerves called medial branches carry pain signals from each facet joint, which is why treatments aimed at those nerves are often central to managing this condition.

How we find the source

Dr. Manuel López, a board-certified pain management and rehabilitation physician, begins with a focused history and physical exam — the pattern of pain with specific movements is often a strong clue. From there, your workup may include:

• Imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) to assess arthritic changes in the facet joints
• Diagnostic medial branch blocks, delivered with precise image guidance, which confirm a specific joint as the pain source by temporarily numbing the nerves that supply it

This confirmation step matters: facet joint syndrome can look similar to other causes of neck and back pain, and treating the confirmed joint is what makes the treatments below effective.

How we treat it

Facet joint syndrome responds well to targeted, image-guided treatment, usually beginning with confirming which joint is involved and working up from there only as needed. Depending on your case, Dr. López may recommend:

Every plan is individual. At your consultation, Dr. López will confirm which joints are involved in your case and which treatments apply.

When to seek care promptly

Facet joint syndrome is rarely an emergency — but see a doctor immediately if neck or back pain comes with loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness. These can signal a different, more serious problem.

Short of that: stiffness or localized spine pain that has lasted more than a few weeks, or keeps recurring, is worth an actual diagnosis.

Get answers about your neck or back pain

A stiff, aching spine doesn’t have to be something you just manage. Dr. López and the Seaside Spine and Pain Center team will confirm which joints are involved and build a treatment plan around it — starting with a conversation.

Call (386) 222-7746 or request an appointment.