Chronic back or neck pain can be frustrating—especially when the exact cause isn’t immediately clear. One common but often overlooked source of spinal pain is facet-mediated pain, which originates in the small joints along the back of the spine. If you’re searching for a spine doctor near me to diagnose and treat this condition, Nadora Healthcare offers expert care from two highly trained specialists: Dr. Scott Dhupar, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, and Dr. K. Soraya Heidari, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon.
Their advanced diagnostic techniques and comprehensive treatment plans help patients get relief from facet joint-related pain without unnecessary delays.
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are the small, paired joints located at the back of each vertebra. These joints work like hinges, allowing the spine to bend, twist, and move. When healthy, facet joints are lined with cartilage and lubricated with fluid to enable smooth motion.
However, due to age, repetitive stress, injury, or arthritis, facet joints can become inflamed or degenerate, resulting in facet-mediated pain. This condition may occur anywhere along the spine, but it’s most common in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.
Symptoms of Facet-Mediated Pain
Facet joint pain can mimic other spinal conditions, which is why expert evaluation is essential. Common signs of facet-mediated pain include:
- Aching or stiffness in the neck or lower back
- Pain that worsens with twisting or leaning backward
- Radiating discomfort into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs (not below the knee)
- Localized tenderness over the spine
- Morning stiffness or pain after periods of inactivity
Because the symptoms can resemble disc-related or nerve-related issues, a precise diagnosis is the first step to effective relief.
Diagnosing Facet Pain at Nadora Healthcare
At Nadora Healthcare, diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation with either Dr. Dhupar or Dr. Heidari. Your spine specialist will:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Conduct a physical and neurological examination
- Order imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) to evaluate the spine
- Recommend a facet joint injection or medial branch block as a diagnostic tool
Injections of local anesthetic directly into the suspected facet joints help confirm whether those joints are the true source of your pain.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If a diagnosis of facet-mediated pain is confirmed, your spine doctor near me at Nadora Healthcare will create a treatment plan focused on conservative and minimally invasive therapies.
These may include:
- Activity modification to reduce stress on the joints
- Anti-inflammatory medications to decrease inflammation
- Muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications
- Referral to physical therapy to improve flexibility and core strength (Nadora Healthcare refers to trusted PT providers)
- Facet joint injections for targeted pain relief
These treatments can offer substantial relief and are often the first line of defense against chronic facet joint pain.
Advanced Interventions for Persistent Pain
For patients who do not achieve lasting relief from conservative methods, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be recommended. This outpatient procedure uses heat to disable the small nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints. RFA can provide relief for 6 to 12 months or longer and can be repeated if necessary.
In rare cases, if facet degeneration is part of a broader structural spinal issue, surgical options such as spinal fusion may be discussed. These decisions are made only after thorough evaluation and discussion with your spine specialist.
Why Choose Nadora Healthcare?
Nadora Healthcare stands out as Colorado’s only Spine Center of Excellence, delivering high-level spine care with a personalized touch. Patients receive:
- Care from two fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeons
- A conservative-first approach to treatment
- Access to advanced, minimally invasive procedures
- Compassionate, transparent communication from consultation through recovery
Whether you’re new to back pain or have struggled for years, Nadora Healthcare offers the expertise and attention you need to feel like yourself again.
Schedule an Evaluation with a Spine Doctor Near Me
If you’re experiencing neck or back pain and suspect it may be related to your facet joints, don’t wait. Contact Nadora Healthcare today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Dhupar or Dr. K. Soraya Heidari. As the trusted spine doctor near me, your path to relief starts with their expert care and commitment to your spinal health.
