Facet joint syndrome is an arthritis-like condition of the spine that can be a significant source of back and neck pain. It is caused by degenerative changes to the joints between the spine bones. The cartilage inside the facet joint can break down and become inflamed, triggering pain signals in nearby nerve endings.
Several at-home and medical treatments are available to alleviate pain that originates in the lower back facet joints.
Treatments that may be performed at home to relieve lumbar facet pain include:
- Applying heat therapy
- Using a cold pack
- Supporting the lumbar curve: It is important to maintain the natural spinal alignment by using correct sitting, standing, and/or lying down posture. A good posture helps keep stresses off the facet joints and foster a better healing environment.
- Avoiding activities that worsen the pain. In general, activities that include spinal twisting, repeated bending and extending, and sitting for long periods of time must be avoided. Bending the spine backward may cause more strain on the affected joint(s) and must be avoided to prevent further damage.
- Staying active
- Engaging in low-impact exercises
- Using a supportive brace: While bracing is not common in treating benign facet pain, a brace may occasionally be used for non-threatening facet instability, such as a subluxation, to help limit spinal motion and promote healing.
