Facet Syndrome

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Facet syndrome, also known as facet joint syndrome or facet joint pain, is a common cause of neck and back pain. The facet joints are small joints located on the back of the spine that help guide movement while providing stability. When these joints become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic, they can cause pain with certain movements and make everyday activities uncomfortable.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we provide evidence-based, conservative treatment to reduce pain, restore normal spinal movement, and help you return to the activities you enjoy without relying on medications or surgery whenever possible.

How We Treat Facet Syndrome

Every treatment plan is individualized based on your symptoms, examination findings, and functional goals. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic spinal adjustments to restore normal motion of the affected spinal segments

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve soft tissue mobility

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to address chronic muscle dysfunction and surrounding soft tissue irritation when appropriate

• Dry needling to reduce muscle spasms and painful trigger points

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to improve tissue mobility and reduce fascial restrictions

• Corrective exercises to improve spinal stability, posture, and movement mechanics

• Personalized home exercise program to improve mobility and reduce future flare-ups

Our goal is to restore healthy movement of the spine while reducing stress on the facet joints.

Symptoms of Facet Syndrome

Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain or low back pain

• Pain that is worse with standing or prolonged sitting

• Pain when twisting or bending backward

• Localized tenderness along the spine

• Muscle stiffness

• Reduced spinal range of motion

• Pain that improves with gentle movement

• Referred pain into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs (typically not below the knee or elbow)

Unlike nerve-related conditions such as a disc herniation, facet syndrome usually does not cause numbness, tingling, or significant weakness.

What Causes Facet Syndrome?

Facet joint pain may develop from:

• Normal age-related degeneration

• Arthritis

• Repetitive bending or twisting

• Poor posture

• Heavy lifting

• Sports injuries

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Spinal instability

• Previous disc injuries that increase stress on the facet joints

Facet syndrome commonly develops alongside degenerative changes in the spine and is a frequent source of mechanical neck and back pain.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to determine whether the facet joints are contributing to your symptoms while ruling out other causes of spinal pain.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Orthopedic and neurological examination

• Spinal mobility assessment

• Functional movement evaluation

• Postural assessment

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging or referral to another healthcare provider is indicated, we will help coordinate your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors understand that spinal pain often involves more than one structure. We evaluate the joints, muscles, ligaments, discs, and nervous system to identify the true source of your symptoms rather than simply treating the area that hurts.

Your treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), dry needling, IASTM, and corrective exercises to restore movement and improve long-term spinal health.

• Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce neck and back pain

• Improve spinal mobility

• Decrease muscle stiffness

• Improve posture and movement

• Restore daily function

• Help patients remain active and avoid unnecessary medications or invasive procedures whenever possible