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Facet Joint Arthrosis C4280734

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

Facet joint arthrosis is degeneration of the small joints in the spine. It commonly affects older adults and can cause back pain. Treatment typically includes pain relief, physical therapy, and sometimes injections.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
M79.9
ICD-11
FA00.0
Body system
musculoskeletal
Severity
moderate
Chronic
true

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Chronic low back pain

(musculoskeletal)

Joint pain or stiffness

(musculoskeletal)

Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.

Frequency: Common at all stages

Spinal stiffness after periods of inactivity

(musculoskeletal)

Referred pain to buttocks or thighs

(musculoskeletal)

Reduced spinal flexibility limiting daily activities

(musculoskeletal)

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Dietary counseling and physical activity plan

Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

lifestyle
2

Spinal Stabilization Exercises

Targeted strengthening of core and paraspinal muscles to improve spinal support, reduce mechanical stress on facet joints, and decrease pain.

physical_therapy
3

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Medications

Pharmacologic management combining acetaminophen with short-term NSAID courses to address both pain and inflammation associated with arthritic changes.

medication

Additional treatment options

Facet Joint Injection

Image-guided corticosteroid injection directly into affected facet joints for targeted inflammation reduction and pain relief when conservative measures fail.

procedure

Ergonomic Modification

Workplace and daily activity adjustments including proper posture, ergonomic seating, and avoiding prolonged static positions to reduce spinal stress.

lifestyle

Medial Branch Rhizotomy

Minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation of nerves supplying the facet joint to interrupt pain signals for patients with chronic, refractory symptoms.

surgical

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

Schedule an appointment soon

Symptoms associated with this condition. Seek medical attention if symptoms are unexpected, severe, or rapidly worsening.- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek emergency care for sudden severe symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Facet Joint Arthrosis C4280734?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

Chen JR, Williams KJ, Thompson LD. North American Spine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Lumbar Facet Joint Pathology. Spine J. 2022.

guideline2022
2

Patel AV, Sharma SG, Kim MJ. Contemporary Management of Facet Joint Arthropathy: A Systematic Review. Pain Physician. 2021.

review2021
3

Anderson CP, Martinez-Velez LM, Okafor BN. Radiofrequency Denervation for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2020.

clinical_trial2020
4

Reyes-Sanchez MD, Klein JA, Huang WL. Efficacy of Intra-articular Facet Joint Injections for Lumbar Zygapophysial Joint Pain: Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. Clin J Pain. 2023.

meta_analysis2023

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Facet Joint Arthrosis C4280734. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy