Understanding Facet Joint Pain and Effective Treatment Options

Facet joints are the small joints that connect each vertebra to the next, allowing the spine to move, twist, bend, and flex smoothly. Just like the hips, knees, or shoulders, these joints are covered with a protective layer of cartilage that helps reduce friction and enables comfortable, controlled motion. However, when this cartilage begins to wear down — often due to arthritis, aging, overuse, or injury — the facet joints can become irritated and inflamed. This condition is known as facet syndrome, and it is one of the most common causes of chronic back pain. If you’re experiencing persistent spinal discomfort, visiting a qualified Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor can provide significant relief and help restore your mobility.

What Are Facet Joints and Why Do They Cause Pain?

Each vertebra in the spine connects to the one above and below it through two sets of facet joints — one pair on each side. These joints act like hinges, stabilizing the spine while still allowing a wide range of motion. The cartilage coating over the joint surfaces allows them to glide smoothly.

When arthritis begins to develop, this cartilage gradually deteriorates. Without sufficient cushioning, the bones rub against each other, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. Additionally, the capsule surrounding each facet joint contains nerve endings. When the capsule becomes inflamed or irritated, these nerves can generate sharp or aching pain that may radiate outward.

Research shows that facet joints can cause pain that spreads to the:

• Buttocks

• Thighs

• Hips

• Groin area

Although this pain can radiate into the upper leg, it rarely extends past the knee. When pain spreads below the knee and into the lower leg or foot, it may indicate a different condition — such as a herniated disc or lumbar radiculopathy. This is one of the reasons why a proper evaluation by an experienced Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor is essential.

When the Source of Pain Is Unclear

In many cases, determining the exact source of back pain can be challenging. Symptoms of facet syndrome overlap with other spinal disorders, making diagnosis difficult without the right testing. If a healthcare specialist suspects that facet joints are responsible but cannot confirm the diagnosis through examination alone, they may recommend a facet joint injection or a diagnostic block.

This procedure has two purposes:

1. Diagnostic – to confirm whether the facet joint is the true source of pain

2. Therapeutic – to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief

A local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication (typically a corticosteroid) are injected into or near the irritated facet joint. If the pain significantly decreases after the injection, this strongly indicates that the facet joint is the cause of the symptoms.

Qualified chiropractors often use this information to develop a personalized care plan aimed at restoring function, reducing inflammation, and improving spinal alignment. A trusted Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor will base future treatments on the results of this diagnostic procedure.

How the Facet Joint Injection Procedure Works

To minimize the risk of complications, the procedure is performed under fully sterile conditions. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Step 1 — Preparation and Local Anesthesia

The skin over the treatment area is numbed using a small needle. This minimizes discomfort and prepares the patient for the deeper injection.

Step 2 — Placement of the Needle

A second needle, slightly larger, is used to reach the facet joint or surrounding area. During this process, the patient remains awake so they can provide immediate feedback.

Step 3 — Imaging Guidance

Fluoroscopy (a form of real-time X-ray imaging) is used to ensure the needle is precisely positioned. Accuracy is essential for both diagnosing the cause of the pain and delivering the medication effectively.

Step 4 — Injection of Medication

Once the needle is in the correct position, the physician injects a mixture of anesthetic and corticosteroid. The anesthetic provides immediate relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation over time.

Step 5 — Completion and Observation

The needle is removed, and the patient is observed for a short period to ensure no immediate adverse reactions occur. Shortly after, the patient is allowed to go home.

A trustworthy Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor will carefully explain this process, answer all questions, and help patients understand what to expect during and after the procedure.

Tracking Pain Relief After the Procedure

To ensure the treatment is successful, patients are asked to keep a pain diary. This log helps physicians and chiropractors determine whether the injection has relieved the pain and whether the facet joints are indeed the source.

Patients should record the following:

• Pain level after 1 hour

• Pain level after 2 hours

• Pain level after 3 hours

• Pain level after 8 hours

• Pain level after 24 hours

This information provides valuable insight into how effective the diagnostic block was and helps guide future treatment decisions.

Based on the results, the procedure may be repeated a few times per year if needed. The primary goal is to reduce inflammation, improve spinal function, and allow long-term recovery.

How a Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor Helps Your Recovery

Chiropractic care plays a vital role in managing facet joint pain. After confirming that the facet joints are responsible, chiropractors create a personalized plan to restore proper movement, reduce inflammation, and improve spinal alignment.

A facet syndrome chiropractor may use:

• Gentle spinal adjustments

• Mobilization techniques

• Soft-tissue therapy

• Posture correction

• Stretching and strengthening exercises

• Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations

These natural, non-invasive treatments aim to relieve pressure on the joints, improve mobility, and promote long-term healing.

An experienced Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor understands that every case is unique. They tailor each treatment plan based on the severity of the pain, the patient’s health history, and diagnostic findings.

Need Relief From Facet Joint Pain? Contact Your Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor Today

Facet syndrome can be painful, frustrating, and disruptive — but it doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, stiffness, or radiating discomfort, the right chiropractic care can help identify the source and provide lasting relief.

Contact your trusted Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor today. We’re here to help you restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and get back to living pain-free.