Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Localized neck or back pain
- Pain worse with twisting, standing, or leaning backward
- Stiffness in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that improves with sitting or leaning forward
- Reduced motion at the affected level
Facet
Joint Syndrome .
Inflammation or arthritis of the small joints that connect and stabilize the vertebrae. It commonly causes localized spine pain that worsens with twisting, standing, or leaning backward, and may limit normal movement.
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Diagnosis first. Treatment second.
Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar spine condition treated with conservative options first and motion-preserving surgery when needed.
4
LA offices
Region
Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar
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Facet Joint Syndrome at a glance
- What it is: Inflammation or arthritis of the small joints that connect and stabilize the vertebrae. It commonly causes localized spine pain that worsens with twisting, standing, or leaning backward, and may limit normal movement.
- Common symptoms: Localized neck or back pain; Pain worse with twisting, standing, or leaning backward; Stiffness in the morning or after sitting.
- First-line treatment: Physical therapy — Core stabilization, mobility work, and posture training.
- When surgery is considered: progressive symptoms, neurological changes, or pain unresponsive to conservative care.
Symptoms & causes
Understanding facet joint syndrome
Causes
Common causes
- Age-related arthritis
- Repetitive twisting or hyperextension
- Prior injury
- Poor posture and core weakness
How Dr. Yasmeh treats it
Treatment options
Dr. Yasmeh starts with the least-invasive option that fits your case and only escalates when clearly needed.
Conservative care
Step 1Conservative care first
Most patients improve without surgery. Dr. Yasmeh sequences therapy, medication, and targeted injections before considering operative options.
- Physical therapy — Core stabilization, mobility work, and posture training.
- NSAIDs — Reduces joint inflammation.
- Facet joint injections — Image-guided injections both diagnose and treat.
- Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation — When facet joint pain is confirmed, longer-lasting relief is possible with RFA.
Surgical care
When neededWhen surgery is the right answer
When non-operative care has not worked or symptoms are progressive, Dr. Yasmeh offers motion-preserving techniques whenever clinically appropriate.
Common questions
About facet joint syndrome.
- Most patients improve with conservative care — physical therapy, medication, and targeted injections. Dr. Yasmeh only recommends surgery when symptoms are progressive, when there is neurological compromise, or when conservative care has not resolved the problem.
- Diagnosis combines a careful history, physical exam, and imaging (typically MRI). Dr. Yasmeh reviews your imaging with you in plain language so you understand what's happening.
- Yes — Dr. Yasmeh offers second opinions, especially for patients told they need fusion. He evaluates motion-preserving alternatives like laminoplasty or artificial disc replacement when clinically appropriate.
- Dr. Yasmeh sees patients at four offices across Greater Los Angeles: East LA (1700 E Cesar Chavez Ave), Glendale (1505 Wilson Terrace), Santa Fe Springs (12215 Telegraph Rd), and Tarzana (18840 Ventura Blvd).
Related procedures
Procedures Dr. Yasmeh performs for this condition
Ready when you are
Get clarity on your facet joint syndrome today.
Same-week appointments. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.