Facet joint pain arises from the small stabilising joints at the back of the spine — the facet joints. These joints link the vertebrae together, allowing smooth movement while providing stability. When these joints become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic, they can cause significant localised pain, sometimes radiating into the buttocks, thighs, or shoulders, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
Common symptoms include stiffness, aching across the back or neck, pain made worse by bending or twisting, and discomfort after long periods of sitting or standing. Causes may include degenerative changes (wear and tear), trauma, poor posture, or repetitive strain. Because facet joint pain can mimic other spinal problems such as disc pain or nerve compression, specialist assessment is essential to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination to pinpoint pain patterns and triggers. We may use imaging such as MRI to assess the facet joints and rule out other spinal causes.
When uncertainty remains, diagnostic medial branch (the nerves carrying pain from the facet joints) injections may be performed — a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected under X-ray guidance. If the pain improves temporarily, this indicates the facet joint to be the source.
We work closely with expert physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists to restore flexibility and strength. Hydrotherapy can be particularly helpful for easing spinal stiffness, and pain psychology sessions support coping strategies and pacing techniques. We work closely with expert spinal surgeons to ensure coordinated, seamless care if we feel that a surgical opinion is required.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Interventional Procedures
For persistent pain, we offer facet and medial branch injections using local anaesthetic and steroid.
If pain recurs despite temporary relief, radiofrequency denervation (or rhizolysis) can be considered — this involves precisely targeting the small nerves that supply the facet joints (medial branches) and aiming to destroy the nerves. This is done with specialist needles that allow the delivery of heat at the tip.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
