Lumbar Facet Disease

Lumbar Facet Disease: Non-Surgical Treatment in Palm Beach

Lumbar facet disease is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain. The facet joints are small paired joints at the back of each lumbar vertebra that guide movement and bear a portion of spinal load. When they degenerate from arthritis or injury, they become a persistent and often underappreciated source of low back pain and stiffness.

At Palm Beach Regenerative, Dr. Ghattas addresses lumbar facet disease with image-guided orthobiologic injection  as part of a comprehensive spine care approach that treats the entire lumbar spinal unit. Schedule a consultation today by filling out our online form.

What Is Facet Disease (Lumbar)?

Each lumbar spinal level has two facet joints. Degeneration of these joints produces local low back pain that typically worsens with lumbar extension, prolonged standing, and twisting. The pain pattern from lumbar facet disease is distinct from disc-related pain and can be reliably identified through diagnostic medial branch blocks.

Signs and Symptoms

• Localized low back pain, often on one or both sides of the spine
• Pain that worsens with standing, arching backward, or twisting
• Morning stiffness that improves with movement
• Referred aching into the buttocks or upper thighs (not typically below the knee)
• Relief when sitting or bending slightly forward

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Age-related facet joint cartilage degeneration
• Prior lumbar injury or surgery creating accelerated facet wear
• Disc degeneration transferring more load to the facet joints
• Repetitive lumbar extension activities
• Obesity increasing lumbar mechanical load

How It Is Diagnosed

Lumbar MRI or CT shows facet joint arthritis. Diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks, which temporarily numb the nerves supplying the facet joints, remain the most accurate method for confirming that the facets are the primary pain generator.

Dr. Ghattas uses this diagnostic approach to ensure orthobiologic treatment is directed at the correct pain source.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Physical therapy for lumbar stabilization and load management
• NSAIDs for pain control
• Lumbar facet steroid injections for temporary relief
• Medial branch radiofrequency ablation for longer-term nerve denervation

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

Image-guided orthobiologic injection directly into the lumbar facet joints delivers platelet preparations to address the underlying arthritis driving the pain, rather than simply interrupting the pain signal.

This approach is part of a broader lumbar treatment plan that also addresses the associated disc degeneration, paraspinal ligament health, and muscle stabilizer function. Treating the whole lumbar unit is the Palm Beach Regenerative standard.

The BioMod Advantage: MLS Robotic Laser Therapy penetrates deeply into the lumbar facet joints, reducing arthritis-related inflammation and paraspinal muscle tension. Xymogen joint support and anti-inflammatory protocols provide systemic support for arthritic facet joints, making your treatment plan work at every level simultaneously.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.