Facet Joint Pain Treatment | Specialty Medical Center

Written by the Specialty Medical Center editorial teamNot individually reviewed by a physicianApproved for publication by SMC, October 31, 2026How we write and review

What is facet joint pain?

Facet joints are the small joints at the back of the spine. Arthritis or injury can make them painful, causing neck or low back pain that may spread to the shoulders or buttocks and often worsens with twisting or leaning back.

Common signs

Neck or low back pain worse with leaning back or twisting
Pain after whiplash
Arthritis in the spine

How it's evaluated and treated

Medial branch blocks confirm the facet joints as the source. Radiofrequency ablation can then give relief lasting months, and an endoscopic rhizotomy may give longer relief.

Recovery and outlook

Relief after ablation often lasts six months to more than a year and can be repeated.

When to get help now

See a doctor for pain with fever, weight loss or new weakness.

Related care

Where to get care at Specialty Medical Center

Our interventional pain physicians see patients in Dearborn, Sterling Heights (15 Mile and Schoenherr Rd), Garden City and Pontiac, with online booking in Dearborn and Sterling Heights. Part of Specialty Pain Management.

Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MDInterventional pain medicine

Mohamed Osman, MDPain management

Aaron Greenberg, DOPhysical medicine and rehabilitation

Who performs procedures, and where:

Dr. Eduardo José Otero: Universal Care Surgery Center
Dr. Mohamed Osman and Dr. Aaron Greenberg: Universal Care Surgery Center and Advanced Surgery Center
Dr. Roy Torcuator: Advanced Surgery Center and Garden City Hospital

Office injections are done in our offices. Your physician confirms who performs your procedure, and where, at your consultation.

This page gives general information. Your physician will explain whether a treatment fits you, its risks and the alternatives.

Facet joint pain