Which specialist treats facet joint syndrome?

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that help guide movement. Irritation in these joints can cause local lower-back pain and may be worse with extension, twisting, or prolonged standing. Back muscle spasm can occur alongside painful movement. A specialist combines your history and examination with imaging when useful; a scan alone does not prove that a facet joint is the pain source.

Care may begin with physiotherapy to improve trunk control, hip movement, and activity tolerance. If symptoms continue, a facet joint injection may help clarify or manage the pain source. Radiofrequency ablation is another procedure that may be discussed for selected, persistent pain.

Arrange an assessment with a spine-focused orthopaedic clinician, physical medicine specialist, or pain physician. Note which positions aggravate symptoms, whether pain stays in the back or travels into a limb, and what home measures have helped. Keep moving within comfortable limits and avoid repeatedly testing painful twisting or arching.

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, progressive leg weakness, fever with severe back pain, or pain after major trauma. These features need assessment for causes beyond facet joint syndrome.

Ask how the diagnosis was reached, what movement goals physiotherapy should target, and whether an injection is appropriate. If a procedure is proposed, ask what it is intended to test or treat, how recovery is managed, and when reassessment is needed.