Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Facet Joint Arthritis

Facet joint arthritis can contribute to back or neck pain. Learn about evaluation and non-surgical options with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is facet joint arthritis?

Facet joint arthritis is wear in the small joints at the back of the spine. It may contribute to localized back or neck pain and stiffness, often worse with extension or twisting, but imaging changes alone do not prove that the joints are causing symptoms. Evaluation helps distinguish facet-related pain from disc or nerve problems before treatment is selected.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Back and spine condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is facet joint arthritis treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland evaluates whether spinal facet joints are the likely pain source; arthritis on imaging alone does not prove causation. For selected, well-localized joint-related pain, he may discuss PRP treatment, while explaining that evidence for regenerative facet injections remains evolving.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Conservative options include physical therapy, trunk and back strengthening, mobility, activity modification, and pain-relief medication when appropriate. A pain specialist may use diagnostic medial branch blocks to help confirm facet-mediated pain before considering a procedure.

When other care may be needed: Pain radiating with weakness, progressive neurologic changes, fever, major trauma, or bowel/bladder symptoms calls for broader assessment. Treatment should address the actual source of symptoms.

Common questions

Questions about facet joint arthritis

What causes facet joint arthritis?

Facet joint arthritis involves wear in the small joints that guide spinal movement, often alongside disc degeneration, prior injury or altered mechanics. Imaging changes alone do not prove a facet joint is causing pain; symptoms and examination help determine the likely source.

What are the symptoms of facet joint arthritis?

Typical symptoms are localized back or neck pain and stiffness, often worse with extension, twisting, or after rest. Pain may refer to the buttock or shoulder. Leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control needs emergency care.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for facet joint arthritis?

Treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, trunk and back strengthening, and medication when medically appropriate. A clinician may consider diagnostic medial branch blocks to help determine whether facet joints are causing pain before discussing additional procedures.

What regenerative options may help facet joint arthritis?

PRP or prolotherapy may be discussed for selected facet-related or ligament-related pain, but evidence remains evolving and the injection target matters. Treatment should follow a careful evaluation because imaging changes alone do not establish the pain source.