Facet Joint Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Modern Non-Surgical Treatments

Facet Joint Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Modern Non-Surgical Treatments

Facet Joint Syndrome is one of the most common spinal conditions affecting adults in the UK, yet it often goes undiagnosed or mistaken for general back pain. When left untreated, it can cause persistent pain, reduced mobility and long-term degeneration. The good news is that modern spine care has advanced significantly, offering several non-surgical treatments that can deliver long-term relief without injections, drugs or surgery.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Facet Joint Syndrome, including symptoms, causes and the most effective non-surgical treatments available today. It also outlines how advanced spine clinics such as Proback clinics in London help patients overcome this condition with modern, evidence-based therapies.

What Is Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joints are the small stabilising joints located between the vertebrae. They guide spinal movement and keep the spine aligned. When these joints become inflamed, worn or compressed, the result is Facet Joint Syndrome.

It commonly affects the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine), where the joints handle the most movement and load.

Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome

Symptoms vary depending on which region of the spine is affected, but common signs include:

1. Localised Back or Neck Pain

Pain is often described as sharp, aching or stiff, especially after sitting or standing for long periods.

2. Pain Radiating Into Hips, Buttocks or Shoulders

Unlike disc issues that cause nerve pain down the legs, facet pain is usually more local but may refer into nearby areas.

3. Stiffness and Reduced Mobility

Patients typically struggle with twisting, bending or lifting.

4. Increased Pain in the Morning

The joints tend to stiffen overnight, leading to discomfort when getting out of bed.

5. Pain When Leaning Backwards

This movement compresses the facet joints and often worsens the pain.

6. Headaches (Cervical Facet Syndrome)

Neck-related facet issues can trigger tension headaches or pain behind the eyes.

If these symptoms sound familiar, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Facet pain is often misdiagnosed as muscular strain or disc injury, leading to ineffective treatment.

Common Causes of Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome can develop for several reasons, including:

Age-Related Degeneration

As the cartilage within the facet joints wears down, bones may rub together, causing inflammation.

Poor Posture

Forward head posture, prolonged sitting and poor ergonomic habits place excessive stress on the joints.

Repetitive Movements

Twisting, lifting and high-impact activities can accelerate joint wear.

Disc Degeneration

When discs lose height, facet joints absorb more pressure, leading to irritation and pain.

Trauma or Injury

Car accidents, sports injuries or sudden movements can damage the facet joints.

Understanding the root cause helps determine which non-surgical treatment will be most effective.

Modern Non-Surgical Treatments for Facet Joint Syndrome

Not every patient needs injections, radiofrequency ablation or surgery. Today’s non-invasive treatments can successfully reduce joint pressure, restore mobility and prevent further degeneration.

Below are the most effective non-surgical solutions used at advanced spine centres such asProback.

1. Spinal Decompression Therapy

Decompression gently stretches the spine, reducing pressure on the facet joints and improving joint spacing.

Benefits

• Reduces inflammation and compression
• Improves mobility
• Enhances nutrient flow into discs and joints
• Helps correct posture-related strain

This is one of the most effective modern treatments for chronic facet irritation.

2. Chiropractic Biophysics

Chiropractic Biophysics focuses on restoring the natural curves and alignment of the spine rather than providing temporary relief.

How CBP Helps Facet Joint Patients

• Corrects structural imbalances that overload the facet joints
• Improves spinal biomechanics
• Reduces recurrence of pain
• Supports long-term spinal health

Proback is one of the few clinics in the UK using this evidence-based approach.

3. Manual and Mechanical Mobilisation

Gentle mobilisation techniques help reduce stiffness and restore normal joint movement without forceful manipulation.

Benefits

• Loosens restricted joints
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves range of motion
• Relieves muscle tension caused by protective guarding

4. Targeted Rehabilitation and Posture Correction

Strengthening and stabilising the spine is essential for long-term results.

What It Includes

• Core stability training
• Postural correction exercises
• Movement retraining
• Flexibility improvement

Proback’s rehabilitation focuses on correcting the underlying mechanical cause, not just relieving symptoms.

5. Ozone and Ozonated Saline Therapy

Ozone therapy reduces inflammation inside the joints and surrounding tissues.

Benefits

• Decreases joint irritation
• Enhances tissue healing
• Helps improve mobility
• Reduces dependency on pain medication

It is a powerful adjunct when paired with decompression or CBP.

Why Choose Proback for Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in London

Proback specialises in advanced, technology-led, non-invasive spinal treatments. Patients choose Proback because the clinic focuses on correcting the cause of facet pain, not just masking the symptoms.

What Proback Offers

• State-of-the-art spinal decompression systems
• Expertise in Chiropractic Biophysics
• Manual and mechanical joint mobilisation
• Posture and movement correction
• Drug-free, injection-free, surgery-free solutions
• Personalised care based on measurable biomechanics

This combination allows patients to achieve longer-lasting relief compared with standard physiotherapy or short-term treatments.

Final Thoughts

Facet Joint Syndrome can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, but modern non-surgical treatments have transformed the recovery process. With advanced decompression therapy, structural correction and targeted rehabilitation, most patients can avoid injections or surgery entirely.

For personalised guidance or to begin treatment with a leading non-surgical spine centre, visit Proback clinics.