Facet Joint Syndrome Specialists in Austin, TX

Q: What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis, is a condition affecting the small, paired joints that connect the vertebrae. These joints guide motion and provide stability; when they become inflamed or irritated, it leads to pain and limited movement.

Q: How Does Facet Joint Syndrome Affect the Body?

Facet joint syndrome can cause pain during simple spinal movements like bending, twisting, standing, or walking. While the severity varies, untreated inflammation can lead to chronic pain over time.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome?

Symptoms typically include localized neck or back pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion. Depending on the affected joints, some patients may also experience radiating pain into surrounding areas.

Q: Is Facet Joint Syndrome Preventable?

While it often develops naturally with age, the onset can be delayed and symptoms reduced by maintaining healthy posture, staying active, managing weight, and reducing overall strain on the spine.

Get Expert Care from Facet Joint Syndrome Specialists in Austin

At Greater Austin Pain Center, our facet joint syndrome specialists in Austin provide advanced, minimally invasive care for patients experiencing facet joint pain and other spine-related conditions. Facet joints are paired joints located between the vertebrae of the spinal column, helping control motion, stability, and alignment. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, facet joint syndrome can develop, leading to persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Personalized Care for Facet Joint Pain in Austin

Facet joint syndrome can affect the neck, lower back, and surrounding tissues, often disrupting posture, mobility, and overall quality of life. Many patients experience pain caused by excessive movement, poor posture, arthritis, trauma, or prior injury to the spine. Left untreated, this joint syndrome may lead to chronic pain that interferes with work, activity, and rest.

Our team creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition, symptoms, and lifestyle. By addressing both the inflamed joints and contributing spine conditions, we help Austin patients find relief, improve stability, and move toward a more pain-free life.

Common Causes of Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome often develops due to a combination of structural changes and stress placed on the spine. Common causes include:

Aging and arthritis: Gradual wear of cartilage and bone within the joint space
Trauma or injury: Accidents, sports injuries, or repetitive stress affecting the spine
Poor posture: Long-term alignment issues, placing strain on paired joints
Excessive movement: Repetitive bending, twisting, or lifting
Spinal conditions: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spine conditions that affect joint motion

Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain

Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the affected joints, but often include:

Neck pain or lower back pain with stiffness and reduced motion
Radiating pain into the shoulders, hips, or buttocks
Persistent pain that worsens with certain movements
Swelling, inflammation, or discomfort near the affected area
Pain that affects daily life, posture, and mobility

Treatment Options for Facet Joint Syndrome in Austin

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we offer a full range of treatment options for facet joint syndrome, focused on reducing inflammation, calming irritated nerves, and improving function. Depending on severity, your care plan may include:

Facet joint injections using a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication to provide pain relief
Radiofrequency energy procedures to disrupt pain signals from inflamed nerves
Physical therapy to improve posture, stability, and movement patterns
Minimally invasive procedures designed to support recovery and long-term relief
Surgical intervention, only when conservative treatment options have been exhausted and complications persist

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment Options in Austin

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for facet joint syndrome at our pain clinics in Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, and Dripping Springs. Each treatment plan is designed to reduce inflammation, calm irritated nerves, and help patients regain mobility and stability.

Our treatment options may include:

Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain relievers to manage pain and inflammation.
Injections: Steroid injections into the facet joints to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Radiofrequency ablation: A procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints.
Lifestyle modifications: Adjusting activities and adopting better posture to minimize stress on the facet joints.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Not Sure If You Have Facet Joint Syndrome?

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck or lower back that affects your daily life, it may be time to seek expert evaluation. Our specialists can assess your symptoms, identify underlying spine conditions, and determine the most effective path to relief.

Contact Greater Austin Pain Center today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improved comfort and mobility.

Am I at Risk for Developing Facet Joint Syndrome?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing facet joint syndrome, including:

Aging and natural degeneration of joint cartilage and bone
Trauma or injury from accidents or sports injuries
Repetitive stress from lifting, bending, or twisting
Poor posture and reduced spinal support
Obesity, which places added pressure on the joints
Inactive lifestyle, leading to reduced mobility and stability
Smoking, which may affect bone and joint health

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome, sometimes referred to as facet joint osteoarthritis or facet arthritis, is a condition that affects the facet joints of the spine. These small, paired joints connect the vertebrae and help guide motion while providing stability. When the joints become inflamed or irritated, facet joint syndrome can develop and lead to pain and limited movement.

How Does Facet Joint Syndrome Affect the Body?

Facet joint syndrome can cause pain with even simple movements involving the spine. Many patients experience discomfort during everyday activities such as bending, twisting, standing, or walking. The severity of symptoms varies, but untreated inflammation may contribute to chronic pain over time.

What Are the Causes of Facet Joint Syndrome?

Common causes include aging-related degeneration, trauma or injury, arthritis, and overuse of the joints within the spinal column. Conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis may also place additional stress on the facet joints.

What Are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome?

Symptoms may include localized neck or back pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain that worsens with certain movements. Some patients experience radiating pain into surrounding areas, depending on which joints are affected.

Is Facet Joint Syndrome Preventable?

Facet joint syndrome often develops as part of the natural aging process and may not be fully preventable. However, maintaining healthy posture, staying active, managing weight, and reducing strain on the spine can help delay the onset and reduce symptom severity.

Testimonials

"I am so relieved I could cry! Finally a pain specialist who listens, cares, and wants to help! Dr. Alan Silberberg has given me so much hope! As someone who has seen pain specialists for decades in different states, this is where you want to come. You NEED him in your life! My only regret is not coming in sooner."

Sarah Jean C.

"The staff is very friendly and I was seen on time. The intake process was seamless and efficient. Dr. Jarzombeck is always very kind and thorough in her explanations. These folks are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Greater Austin Pain Center and Dr. Jarzombeck!"

Kim D.

"Everyone is always very nice and courteous. Dr. Julia is amazing! He is friendly, kind and caring and so easy to talk with. All the office staff I have had contact with has always been courteous and kind as well. Would highly recommend coming here!"

Lesley C.

(512) 298-1645

Facet Joint Syndrome Specialists in Austin, TX

Get In Touch

(512) 298-1645

Patient Tools

Locations

Get Expert Care from Facet Joint Syndrome Specialists in Austin