Lumbar Facet Pain
A deep ache in the lower back that can spread to the buttocks or hips. It is often worse after standing or leaning backwards. Related care is also on our back pain page.
Facet Joint Specialist
Facet joint painhelp
Facet syndrome is pain from the small joints at the back of the spine. It often feels like a deep ache in the neck or lower back that stiffens when you stand, arch, or look up. We work out whether the facet joints are the source and treat them directly.
- Facet Joint Specialist
- Personalised exercise plan
- Ongoing support
Overview
Facet joints are estimated to be the source of pain in 15% to 45% of people with chronic low back pain. The same joints in the neck are a common cause of persistent neck pain.
Source: Pain Physician
You're not alone
Help is available, and you do not have to manage this on your own.
Symptoms
Types of Facet Pain We Treat
We treat facet-mediated pain in the neck and lower back with minimally invasive options wherever they are appropriate. Here are the patterns we see most often.
Cervical Facet Pain
Neck stiffness and pain that can refer to the shoulders or the back of the head. Looking up or turning the head often makes it worse. See also neck pain.
Facet Arthritis
Wear in the facet joints with age or previous injury. The joints become stiff and irritable. Related spinal wear is covered on our spinal pain page.
Extension-Related Pain
Pain that builds when you arch, reach overhead, or stand still. Sitting or gentle flexion often eases it. This pattern helps us decide whether the facet joints are involved.
After Injury or Whiplash
Facet joints can stay irritable after a fall, sports injury, or road traffic accident. Neck facet pain after whiplash is common. See whiplash.
Chronic Facet-Mediated Pain
Pain that has lasted months despite rest, tablets, or physiotherapy. Diagnostic blocks can confirm the joint as the source before we plan longer-lasting treatment.
Causes
When to Get Help for Facet Pain
Facet pain that does not settle, or that keeps you from standing and moving comfortably, is worth a specialist assessment.
Pain that is worse when you stand or arch
A typical facet pattern in the lower back.
Neck pain when looking up or turning
Cervical facet joints often hurt with extension and rotation.
Stiffness that eases a little with movement
Morning stiffness that loosens, then returns with standing.
Pain lasting more than a few weeks
Persistent joint pain is easier to treat once the source is clear.
Tablets are no longer helping
Simple painkillers often do not settle facet-mediated pain.
Pain that is affecting work or sleep
You do not have to wait until you cannot function.
Treatments
Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on which facet joints are involved and how you respond to assessment. Here are the main approaches we use.
Explore Treatments
Targeted Injections
Image-guided facet joint injections and medial branch blocks to confirm the source and reduce inflammation. Radiofrequency treatment (rhizotomy) may follow if the block helps.
Medication Review
We review what you are currently taking and adjust if needed. Anti-inflammatory medication can help some people with facet arthritis while we plan procedures.
Rehabilitation Support
Targeted movement, posture, and strengthening around the spine. Often part of longer-term care after injections, especially for lumbar and cervical facet pain.
How it works
What to Expect
Getting started is straightforward.
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1
Request
If you know the type of pain you're experiencing, you can request an appointment online or give us a call - it only takes a couple of minutes. If you're unsure where to start, please give us a call. Our team will be happy to listen, answer your questions, and help guide you toward the most appropriate next step.
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2
Consultation
Your consultation will usually last 30–45 minutes with one of our experienced pain specialists. This gives your doctor time to understand your symptoms, review your medical history, discuss any previous treatments, and consider the most appropriate next steps for you. The consultation fee is €350, payable on the day of your appointment.
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3
Your Treatment Plan
We'll create an individual, tailored pain management plan based on your needs. This may include a combination of treatments, procedures, or infusions, with review appointments to monitor your progress and ongoing care from our experienced pain specialists.
Common questions
FAQs
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is required for insurance cover of any treatments or procedures. If you are self-paying, a GP referral may not be required. Please bring any relevant medical information, reports, scans, or medication details to your appointment. Our current waiting time is typically 1–2 weeks.
What is facet syndrome?
Facet syndrome is pain from the small joints at the back of the spine. It often causes axial neck or lower back pain that is worse with extension, standing, or looking up.
Will I need surgery?
Most facet joint pain is managed without surgery. We start with assessment, medication, rehabilitation, and image-guided injections or radiofrequency treatment where appropriate.
Is it covered by insurance?
We accept all the major insurers. We recommend checking with your insurer to confirm what is covered under your specific policy.
How soon can I get seen?
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks. If it's urgent, let us know and we'll try to fit you in sooner.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The specialist will go through your medical history, carry out an examination, and discuss your symptoms with you. From there, we create a tailored pain management plan designed around your case.
Conditions we treat