What Is Lumbar Facet Syndrome?

Lumbar Facet Syndrome Treatment NJ & NYC Lumbar facet syndrome, also known as lumbar facet joint syndrome, is a common cause of chronic back pain that originates from the small joints connecting the vertebrae in your lower spine. These facet joints provide stability and allow smooth movement of the back. Over time or after an injury, these joints can become inflamed, arthritic, or irritated — resulting in stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

At The Spine & Rehab Group, our board-certified pain specialists diagnose and treat lumbar facet syndrome in NJ and NYC using advanced, non-surgical techniques designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to your normal activities safely.

Lumbar Facet Joint Pain Symptoms

Pain caused by lumbar facet syndrome can range from mild discomfort to severe stiffness that limits your ability to move freely. Because facet joints are responsible for guiding motion, even small joint inflammation can make painful simple activities, like bending, twisting, or getting out of bed.

Common symptoms of lumbar facet joint pain include:

Dull, aching lower back pain that may spread to the hips or buttocks
Stiffness or limited motion, especially after sitting for long periods
Pain that worsens when leaning backward or twisting
Local tenderness when pressing over the affected joints
Muscle tightness and spasms in the lower back
Pain that improves when bending forward or changing positions

If you notice persistent or localized lower back pain, especially one that worsens with extension or movement, it could indicate lumbar facet joint dysfunction. Patients with lumbar facet syndrome may also experience issues in other regions of the spine, highlighting the importance of evaluating for related conditions such as cervical facet syndrome and thoracic facet syndrome.

patient TESTIMONIALS ★★★★★

I was at my wits end trying to find relief from chronic lower back pain that made it agony to do daily activities. After getting an MRI, my doctor referred me to Dr. Chu at The Spine and Rehab Group for lumbar facet injections. I'll admit I was very anxious about getting injections in my back, but Dr. Chu immediately put me at ease. He patiently explained how the injections work to reduce inflammation in the facet joints. I felt only mild pressure during the injections. The relief was immense - within a few days my back pain was cut in half! His expertise with precisely targeting the painful areas is truly impressive. The care from Dr. Chu and his staff is exceptional - they go above and beyond to answer all my questions and ensure I'm comfortable. I can't recommend The Spine and Rehab Group enough.

Alex H. ★★★★★

Dr Mehta & his team are great- from reception, to nurses, to techs and then doctors: they're always so friendly and incredibly thorough with instructions, post-op directions and even making sure you know what's happening as your procedure is happening. I've always felt super comfortable getting my back injections. Hareefa (one of the rotating nurses) is an absolute delight to chat with as well! Thank you team!

Cristi L.

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Causes of Lumbar Facet Syndrome

The lumbar facet joints endure constant pressure as they stabilize your spine. Over time, or after repeated strain, these joints can wear down and become painful. The most frequent cause of lumbar facet syndrome is degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) — a breakdown of cartilage that allows bones to rub together.

Other common causes include:

Traumatic injury: Car accidents, falls, or lifting injuries
Sports injuries: Repetitive twisting or hyperextension of the back
Degenerative disc disease: Loss of disc height increases stress on facet joints
Poor posture or body mechanics: Prolonged sitting or heavy labor
Aging and natural wear: Gradual joint degeneration over time

Understanding what triggers your pain helps our specialists at The Spine & Rehab Group design the most effective treatment plan for lasting relief.

How Is Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome Treated?

Treatment for lumbar facet syndrome focuses on reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and restoring mobility — without surgery whenever possible. Your doctor will begin with conservative methods and progress to more targeted interventions as needed.

Common treatment options include:

Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to stabilize the spine
Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce swelling and ease pain
Massage and heat therapy: Relax tight muscles and improve circulation
Facet joint injections: Deliver corticosteroids and an anesthetic directly into the affected joint for fast relief
Lumbar radiofrequency ablation (RFA): A minimally invasive procedure that disrupts pain signals for long-lasting results
Lifestyle modifications: Weight management, posture correction, and ergonomic adjustments

Our lumbar facet syndrome specialists combine interventional pain management with rehabilitative care to ensure your treatment plan addresses both the source of pain and its long-term prevention.

Our Board certified doctors

Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA Book Now

David Chu, MD, FAAPMR Book Now

Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Board Certified Interventional Spine Medicine

Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Book Now

Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Board Certified Interventional Spine Specialist

Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Book Now

What Can I Expect After My Treatment?

Most patients experience significant improvement after facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation, often noticing reduced pain within a few days. Depending on your condition, relief can last from several months to over a year. Physical therapy plays an important role in maintaining progress and preventing recurrence.

After treatment, you can expect:

Noticeable reduction in lower back stiffness
Improved range of motion and posture
Gradual return to normal physical activity
A personalized maintenance plan to minimize flare-ups

Your dedicated spine care team at The Spine & Rehab Group will monitor your recovery and adjust your plan as needed to keep your spine healthy and pain-free.

Lumbar facet syndrome doesn’t have to limit your mobility or quality of life. With expert diagnosis and advanced non-surgical care, most patients find lasting relief from chronic lower back pain. At The Spine & Rehab Group, our experienced pain doctors and therapists in New York and New Jersey specialize in lumbar facet syndrome treatment using precise, minimally invasive techniques like facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation. If you’re struggling with ongoing lower back pain, schedule a consultation today to discover how personalized facet joint care can help you move comfortably again.

This content was co-authored and medically reviewed by the expert physician team at The Spine & Rehab Group, a multi-location practice specializing in interventional spine care, pain management, and minimally invasive orthopedic treatments. The team is led by Amr Hosny, a board-certified interventional spine specialist with over 15 years of experience in image-guided, non-surgical treatments for neck, back, joint, and musculoskeletal pain. Together, Dr. Hosny and the team have performed over 10,000 outpatient interventional procedures across New Jersey and New York, including epidural steroid injections, facet joint interventions, and radiofrequency ablation. Their extensive experience ensures all website content aligns with current, evidence-based standards in spine diagnosis, pain management, and rehabilitation.

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160

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