Whole spine · Non-surgical treatment in Delhi NCR
Facet Joint Syndrome
Also called: Facet arthropathy · Lumbar facet pain · Spinal osteoarthritis
When the disc loses height, the facets take load they were never designed for. Treating the facet without addressing the disc is why so many patients keep relapsing.
Quick answer
How is Facet Joint Syndrome treated?
Facet joint syndrome is pain from the small paired joints at the back of each spinal segment, usually causing localised back pain that worsens on extension and rotation. Back2Health treats it with specific chiropractic adjustments to restore joint glide, Class 4 laser and shockwave for the inflamed capsule, and decompression to reduce the disc-related load that overloads the facets.
Symptoms patients describe
- Localised back or neck pain, often one-sided, without leg pain
- Worse on leaning backwards, twisting or standing for long periods
- Morning stiffness that eases after 30 minutes of movement
- Tenderness directly over the spine, a finger-width off the midline
- Referred ache into the buttock, groin or shoulder blade — rarely past the knee or elbow
Why it happens
- Disc height loss transferring load to the posterior joints
- Repetitive extension and rotation at work or in sport
- Osteoarthritic change in the joint cartilage
- Segmental hypomobility from an old untreated injury
- Poor gluteal control causing lumbar compensation
Assessment
How we confirm the diagnosis before touching your spine.
No two patients with the same MRI need the same plan. This is the examination sequence used at the first visit.
- 01Kemp's test (extension-rotation) and segmental springing
- 02Pain mapping to distinguish facet from discogenic pain
- 03Assessment of hip extension and thoracic rotation availability
- 04Imaging review for facet hypertrophy and joint space narrowing
Treatment protocol
How Back2Health treats facet joint syndrome.
Phased, measured and time-bound. Your exact schedule is set after the first assessment.
Phase 1 — Settle the joint
Weeks 1–2
Laser and shockwave over the affected capsule with gentle traction to unload the joint.
Phase 2 — Restore glide
Weeks 3–5
Precise chiropractic adjustments to the restricted level, plus mobility work above and below the segment.
Phase 3 — Redistribute load
Weeks 6–8
Glute, hip and thoracic mobility training so the lumbar facets stop absorbing every movement.
Technology used for this condition
Realistic outlook
Facet pain often responds fast — many patients feel markedly better within 3–4 visits — but lasting relief depends on the hip and thoracic mobility work.
When not to wait
- Fever with spinal tenderness
- Pain unrelated to movement or position
Answers
Facet Joint Syndrome: common questions.
How do I know if my back pain is facet or disc?+
Facet pain typically worsens on bending backwards and rarely travels past the knee. Disc pain typically worsens on sitting and bending forward and often radiates down the leg. A clinical exam distinguishes them reliably.
Do I need a facet injection?+
Most patients don't. Injections numb the joint but don't change the mechanics that overloaded it. We restore movement and load-sharing first.
Book an assessment
Get your facet joint syndrome properly diagnosed.
Bring your MRI or X-ray. You'll leave the first consultation knowing exactly what is wrong, whether decompression is right for you, and how many sessions it should take.
Related whole spine conditions
Degenerative Disc Disease
Not really a 'disease' — it is wear that becomes symptomatic when load exceeds capacity. The treatable variables are hydration, segmental motion and the strength of the structures around the disc.
Scoliosis & Postural Deformity
Honest scoliosis care: measurable goals around pain, function, cosmetic appearance and rate of progression — not promises of a straight X-ray.
Post-Surgical Spine Rehabilitation
Surgery removes the compression; it does not rebuild the spine. The muscles switched off before the operation stay switched off unless deliberately retrained.