They allow movement of the spine while maintaining stability. Pain arising from a facet joint can be acute, for example following a lifting injury, or may be chronic, for example due to underlying wear and tear changes in the intervertebral discs. If left untreated, it can become increasingly painful, incapacitating and interfere with your daily life.

Diagnosis for Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint pain is often diagnosed as a less serious form of back problem, as the symptoms are often confused with other forms of back discomfort. Most cases of facet joint pain are due to acute injury to the back or long term wear and tear changes in the spine. However, occasionally it may be the presentation of other problems including a herniated disc or a vertebral body fracture. Sadly, many patients are misdiagnosed by unspecialised practitioners only to find their condition gets worse over time. The London Pain Clinic can help. We offer the following:

• A full assessment by a consultant in pain medicine
• A detailed medical history concentrating on your pain
• A thorough spinal and neurological examination
• Investigations including MRI scans and x rays
• Our renowned second opinion service.

Treatment for facet joint pain

Facet joint pain should be treated by experienced medical professionals. If you are suffering with the condition or you have chronic back pain that never seems to go away, it is time to visit a pain specialist. An accurate diagnosis is the starting point from which to create a treatment plan that works. At the London Pain Clinic you can expect:

• A full explanation of your facet joint pain
• A personalised treatment plan that is tailored specifically for your condition
• The latest anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, specifically to reduce your facet joint pain
• Multimodal analgesia
• Facet joint blocks
• Facet joint radiofrequency denervation (RF) treatment
• Medial Branch radiofrequency denervation (RF) treatment
• Botulinum Toxin A (Botox) treatment
• Specialist physical therapy
• Home exercise programme.

At the London Pain Clinic we are experts in the treatment of facet joint pain. To begin your recovery, please call us on 020 7118 0250 or email the London Pain Clinic.