Facet Arthritis

Facet arthritis, also known as facet joint osteoarthritis, is a common cause of neck and back pain. It occurs when the cartilage inside the small joints that connect the vertebrae wears down, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort. At Hudson Specialty Care, with offices in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, as well as Manhattan, New York, the team diagnoses and treats facet arthritis with a range of nonsurgical and minimally invasive options. To schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment online.

What causes facet arthritis?

Facet arthritis develops when the cartilage lining the facet joints wears away, often due to aging and repetitive stress on the spine. Over time, this loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together, leading to inflammation and pain. 

Risk factors include prior spinal injuries, obesity, poor posture, and occupations that involve heavy lifting or repetitive twisting. Genetics may also play a role in how quickly cartilage deteriorates.

What are the symptoms of facet arthritis?

Facet arthritis can cause localized pain in the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine). Pain may worsen with bending backward or twisting and may be accompanied by stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. 

In some cases, nerve irritation from enlarged facet joints can cause radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs. Muscle spasms and reduced flexibility are also common, making it harder to perform daily activities.

How is facet arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a medical history review and physical exam. The provider may check range of motion, posture, and muscle strength, and palpate the spine to identify areas of tenderness. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, can confirm the presence of joint changes and rule out other causes of pain. In some cases, a diagnostic facet joint injection may be performed—if the injection relieves pain, it confirms the facet joint as the source.

What treatments are available for facet arthritis?

Hudson Specialty Care offers several treatment options, including:

• Medication management to control pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy to improve flexibility and support spinal alignment.
• Interventional procedures, such as facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation, to reduce pain signals from the affected joints.
• Regenerative Spine procedures, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Bone Marrow injections. 
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery with endoscopic facet rhizotomy and laser therapy.
• Lifestyle modifications, such as posture training, weight management, and low-impact exercise.

For certain patients, regenerative medicine therapies may be recommended to promote tissue health, reduce inflammation, and potentially slow further joint degeneration.

How can patients manage facet arthritis long-term?

While cartilage loss cannot be reversed, symptoms can often be controlled with proper treatment and healthy habits. The team at Hudson Specialty Care creates personalized care plans to improve mobility, reduce pain, and help patients maintain an active lifestyle. 

Education on proper body mechanics, regular exercise, and proactive pain management all play an important role in keeping symptoms under control. To learn more, request an appointment online or by phone today.