What are the symptoms of facet joint syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome presents with pain close to the spine, commonly in the lower back or neck. The discomfort may feel aching, sharp, or concentrated on one side, and it can spread a short distance into the buttock or shoulder region without following a clear nerve pathway. Stiffness after inactivity is common, while arching backward, rotating, standing for a long time, or rising from a chair may aggravate symptoms. Back Muscle Spasm can develop when nearby muscles guard the irritated joints. Lower Back Pain has many possible causes, so symptoms alone cannot confirm facet joint involvement.

Keep moving within a tolerable range and vary sitting, standing, and bending positions. A clinician or physiotherapist can assess spinal movement, muscle control, and signs suggesting nerve involvement. Physiotherapy may include mobility work, trunk or neck strengthening, and advice on pacing. If pain continues despite an appropriate programme, a Facet Joint Injection may be discussed for diagnosis or symptom relief. Radiofrequency Ablation is another specialist option for selected persistent facet-mediated pain.

Book an assessment when back pain repeatedly returns, restricts work or sleep, or does not settle with sensible activity changes. Seek urgent medical help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs, severe or progressive leg weakness, or back pain after major trauma. Fever, unexplained illness, or pain that is severe at rest also deserves prompt review.

Ask whether your examination suggests facet-related pain, how nerve symptoms would change the plan, which movements to practise, and when an injection or specialist review should be considered.