Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in San Marcos, TX

Persistent neck or back pain tied to the spine's small stabilizing joints can make even routine movement feel difficult. For residents of San Marcos and the surrounding communities along the I-35 corridor, Greater Austin Pain Center's San Marcos clinic offers specialized pain management for facet joint syndrome and other spinal conditions.

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2007 Medical Pkwy, Suite B
San Marcos, TX 78666
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Office hours

Mon - Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Weekends: Closed

Phone

Phone: (512) 298-1645

Fax: (512) 298-1795

Accepted insurance

- Aetna
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What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome, sometimes called facet joint osteoarthritis or facet arthritis, is a condition that develops when the facet joints in the spine become inflamed, irritated, or damaged. Facet joints are small, paired joints located along the back of the spinal column that connect adjacent vertebrae to one another. They play an important role in providing stability and allowing controlled movement throughout the spine, from the cervical (neck) region down through the lumbar (lower back) area.

When these joints break down or become inflamed, the result is often chronic pain and reduced mobility that can interfere with daily life. Because facet joint syndrome can affect different levels of the spine, symptoms may present differently depending on which joints are involved. Providers at Greater Austin Pain Center are experienced in helping patients identify and manage this condition through individualized treatment plans.

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How Facet Joint Syndrome Affects the Body

Facet joint syndrome can affect the body in ways that range from mild discomfort to significant limitations in function. Pain is typically felt in the neck or lower back, depending on where in the spine the affected joints are located. Because the facet joints are involved in nearly every spinal movement, patients often notice that symptoms flare during routine activities such as bending, twisting, or extending the back.

Common symptoms of facet joint syndrome include:

Dull, aching pain in the lower back or neck that may persist even at rest
Stiffness and a reduced range of motion in the affected area of the spine
Pain that worsens with specific movements, particularly bending, twisting, or arching the back
Radiating pain that travels to the buttocks or back of the thighs when lower lumbar joints are involved, or into the shoulders when cervical joints are affected

The severity of these symptoms varies among patients. Some individuals experience intermittent discomfort, while others find that chronic pain significantly limits their ability to complete everyday tasks. A doctor at Greater Austin Pain Center can help evaluate your specific symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps.

How Facet Joint Syndrome Affects the Body

Common symptoms of facet joint syndrome include:

Dull, aching pain in the lower back or neck that may persist even at rest
Stiffness and a reduced range of motion in the affected area of the spine
Pain that worsens with specific movements, particularly bending, twisting, or arching the back
Radiating pain that travels to the buttocks or back of the thighs when lower lumbar joints are involved, or into the shoulders when cervical joints are affected

A physical therapist in blue scrubs examines a woman's lower back as she sits on an exam table in a clinic, lifting her shirt slightly to expose the area.

Treatment Options for Facet Joint Syndrome in San Marcos

At Greater Austin Pain Center's San Marcos clinic, providers work with patients to build individualized treatment plans aimed at reducing pain, managing inflammation, and restoring functional mobility. Because facet joint syndrome presents differently from person to person, the treatment approach is tailored to each patient's symptoms, history, and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all process.

Interventional procedures commonly used to treat facet joint syndrome include:

Joint Injections: Steroid injections delivered directly into the inflamed facet joints can help reduce pain and inflammation, often providing meaningful relief and allowing patients to participate more fully in daily activities. Joint injections may also serve a diagnostic purpose, helping providers confirm whether the facet joints are the primary source of a patient's pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the nerve signals that transmit pain from damaged facet joints. It is often considered when joint injections provide temporary but insufficient relief, and it can help reduce pain for an extended period.
Nerve Blocks: Targeted nerve blocks can be used to reduce pain signals coming from the affected area of the spine, helping to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

In addition to these interventional procedures, your care team may discuss anti-inflammatory medications or refer you to physical therapy to support recovery and help prevent further deconditioning. These supportive options are coordinated alongside GAPC's in-house procedures as part of a comprehensive care plan. For patients whose facet joint syndrome developed following an accident or injury, Personal Injury / Accident Care is also available through Greater Austin Pain Center.

To learn more about which treatment options may be appropriate for your situation, schedule a consultation at our San Marcos clinic. Our providers are committed to helping patients across Central Texas find a path forward that fits their needs and goals.

Getting Care for Chronic Pain at Greater Austin Pain Center

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

The first step toward managing facet joint syndrome is scheduling an appointment at Greater Austin Pain Center's San Marcos clinic. You can schedule online or by calling our office directly. Our team works to ensure new patients are seen in a timely way, and we accept a wide range of insurance plans to make access to care as straightforward as possible.

Step 2: Initial Visit and Evaluation

At your initial visit, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a review of your medical history, a discussion of your symptoms, and a physical examination. Imaging or other data may be ordered as needed to help diagnose the source and extent of your facet joint pain. This evaluation process is essential for ensuring that your care plan is built on an accurate understanding of your condition.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the information gathered during your initial visit, your care providers will develop a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce pain and address the underlying issues affecting your spine. This plan may include joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, nerve blocks, or a combination of procedures and coordinated referrals, depending on the severity and location of your symptoms. Your doctor will walk you through the plan and answer any questions you have before any procedures are scheduled.

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Facet joint syndrome is often a chronic condition that benefits from ongoing monitoring and adjustment over time. After your initial treatment, your care team will schedule follow-up visits to check your progress, assess how well your symptoms are being managed, and modify your plan as needed. Patients can expect consistent communication and support throughout their care at Greater Austin Pain Center.

Testimonials

"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."

Genia G.

"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"

Maggie G.

"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."

Nancy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is facet joint syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis or facet arthritis, is a condition that affects the facet joints in the spine. These small, paired joints connect the vertebrae along the back of the spinal column and are essential for spinal stability and movement. Facet joint syndrome occurs when these joints become inflamed, irritated, or damaged, leading to pain and reduced mobility.

How does facet joint syndrome affect the body?

Facet joint syndrome can cause pain in the neck or lower back that occurs with movement of the spine, including during normal daily activities. Symptoms may include stiffness, a reduced range of motion, and in some cases radiating pain into the buttocks or thighs. The severity varies among patients, and in some cases the pain can interfere significantly with everyday functioning.

What are the symptoms of facet joint syndrome?

The primary symptoms of facet joint syndrome may include dull, aching pain in the lower back or neck, stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected area, pain that worsens with bending, twisting, or extending the spine, and sometimes radiating pain into the buttocks or back of the thighs depending on which joints are involved.

What are the most common causes of facet joint syndrome?

Common causes include aging and the gradual degeneration of spinal joints over time, trauma or injury to the spine such as from accidents or falls, and overuse from repetitive activities involving bending, twisting, or heavy lifting. Any of these factors can damage the facet joints and lead to the development of this condition.

Am I at risk for developing facet joint syndrome?

Risk factors for facet joint syndrome include increasing age, a history of spinal injury or trauma, occupations or activities that involve repetitive spinal stress, excess body weight, an inactive lifestyle with weak core muscle support, and smoking, which can contribute to bone and joint degeneration. A doctor can help you understand your individual risk based on your health history.

Is facet joint syndrome preventable?

Facet joint syndrome often develops as a natural part of aging and spinal degeneration, so it is frequently not possible to prevent entirely. However, healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking may help delay the onset or slow the progression of symptoms.

Lunch & Learn With Our Doctors

Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.

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Find Relief from Facet Joint Syndrome in San Marcos

If persistent neck or back pain is affecting your daily life, the care team at Greater Austin Pain Center is ready to help. Call us at (512) 298-1645 or schedule online to set up an appointment at our San Marcos clinic. With additional locations in Austin, Kyle, and Dripping Springs, our pain management providers serve patients throughout Central Texas and are here to help you find a path forward.

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Relieve Your Pain Today!

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(512) 298-1645

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in San Marcos, TX

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(512) 298-1645

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What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?

How Facet Joint Syndrome Affects the Body

How Facet Joint Syndrome Affects the Body

Treatment Options for Facet Joint Syndrome in San Marcos

Getting Care for Chronic Pain at Greater Austin Pain Center

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

Step 2: Initial Visit and Evaluation

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Follow-Up

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is facet joint syndrome?

How does facet joint syndrome affect the body?

What are the symptoms of facet joint syndrome?

What are the most common causes of facet joint syndrome?

Am I at risk for developing facet joint syndrome?

Is facet joint syndrome preventable?

Find Relief from Facet Joint Syndrome in San Marcos

Schedule an Appointment

Relieve Your Pain Today!

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