What is Facet Joint Disease?
Facet joint disease or facet joint syndrome is a form of osteoarthritis that attacks the facet joints along the back of your spine. For a few people, facet joint syndrome can be caused by a trauma to the facet joints such as an athletic injury or a car accident.
How common is facet joint disease?
In a recent study of 500 patients, who were complaining of back pain, it was found that painful cervical facets were identified in 55% of patients with neck pain, 42% of patients with thoracic pain, and 31% of patients with low back pain(1).
What is the function of facet joints?

What are the symptoms of facet joint disease?
Pain symptoms may increase after long periods of inactivity such as sitting at a desk too long or standing in line.
What are the treatments for facet joint disease?
To relieve pain, Dr. Nourian will steer you away from opioid-based medications preferring safer, less addictive solutions such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, acupuncture, TENS electrical stimulation units, epidural treatments, and facet joint injections with nerve ablation.
He may suggest that you get your body moving with low resistance water therapy, walking and yoga. You may also find that with a few simple changes to your diet, you can lose weight and naturally fight inflammation.
The anatomical name for facet joints sounds funny, zygapophysial. However, there is nothing comical about the pain that often rises from these nerve-rich joints. Some patients may have pain that will not respond to non-surgical treatments. Dr. Nourian may suggest additional tests and carefully review the full range of surgical options including several minimally invasive microdecompression surgeries. All of Dr. Nourian’s surgical treatments are opioid-free during the operation and in recovery to prevent the risk of accidental drug addiction.
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Neck & Spine Specialities
Dr. Nourian has an enviable record of successfully treating the full spectrum of neck and spine problems.

Arthritis

Bulging/Herniated Discs

Disease & Disorders

Degeneration

Fractures

Infections

Injuries

Sciatica

Scoliosis

Spinal Stenosis

Stiff Neck

Tumors
General Orthopedics
Specialist in treating a wide variety of injuries and conditions that impact bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Arthritis

Bursitis

Chronic Pain

Deformities

Disorders

Fractures

Injuries

Sprains

Strains

Tendonitis
