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Spinal Decompression

Posterior Facet Syndrome

Chronic compression of the rear spinal joints causing persistent back and neck pain — a condition decompression is uniquely positioned to relieve.

The Condition

What Is Posterior Facet Syndrome?

Posterior Facet Syndrome is a specific presentation of facet joint dysfunction focusing on the posterior (rear-facing) facet joints of the spine. These joints bear a significant portion of the compressive load transmitted through the spine, particularly during extension movements (bending backward), rotation, and prolonged standing. When the posterior facet joints become compressed — typically as a result of disc height loss, poor posture, or degenerative changes — the overlying cartilage wears away and the joint capsule becomes inflamed. This leads to chronic, often bilateral (both sides) back or neck pain. Posterior facet syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed as a simple muscle strain and can go untreated for years.

Warning Signs

Common Symptoms

  • Deep, aching pain in the center or sides of the lower back or neck
  • Pain that worsens significantly when bending backward or rotating the spine
  • Stiffness that improves with gentle movement but worsens after prolonged rest
  • Referred pain into the buttocks or upper thighs (without the sharp, shooting quality of sciatica)
  • Neck pain that radiates into the shoulders or upper back
  • Bilateral (both-sided) back pain rather than one-sided
  • Tenderness along the spine when pressing on the affected vertebral levels
The Solution

How Spinal Decompression Helps

Separates compressed posterior facet joints by gently distracting the vertebral segments
Reduces the capsular inflammation that is causing chronic joint pain
Restores proper disc height between vertebrae, redistributing load away from the facet joints
Improves spinal segment mobility that has been restricted by joint compression and guarding
Provides a non-invasive alternative to facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation
Addresses the root cause — disc and joint compression — rather than just numbing the pain

Don't Wait — Act Sooner, Heal Faster

Posterior Facet Syndrome tends to be a slow-burning condition that patients minimize for too long. Without addressing the underlying compression, the posterior facet joints continue to degrade, the surrounding muscles tighten in chronic protective spasm, and the pain cycle deepens. Over time, this leads to reduced spinal mobility, accelerated arthritic changes, and a significantly greater treatment burden. The window for achieving full relief narrows as cartilage loss becomes more extensive. Early treatment with decompression can halt the degeneration cycle, restore joint space, and return patients to pain-free function before permanent joint changes set in.

Is Decompression Right for You?

Schedule a consultation with our doctors to see if spinal decompression is the right fit for your condition.