Musculoskeletal pain

Facet joint pain treatment in Singapore

Name: Facet joint pain treatment in Singapore
Creator: Dr Christopher Liu

The facet joint is a common cause of recalcitrant back pain. The facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae on both sides of the spine. Typically, patients with facet joint pain report neck / back pain that is worse with leaning backwards (back extension) or twisting. Occasionally, the pain can be referred to the head / upper limbs and the buttocks/ thighs. At Alleviate Pain Clinic, we look carefully for the source of your pain and build a plan around you.

Written and reviewed by Dr Christopher Liu, Pain PhysicianLast reviewed: 1 November 2026About Dr Liu

What are facet joints?

Facet joints connect the vertebrae on both sides of the spine. When a problem in one of these joints causes pain, it is called facet joint syndrome, or simply facet joint pain.

Symptoms of facet joint pain

The pain is usually felt at the affected level of the spine. It tends to be worse with movements that put pressure on the joints, such as:

leaning backwards
extending the neck or lower back
twisting at the waist

Pain from the lower back can spread to the buttocks or thighs. Pain from the neck can spread to the head, upper back and shoulders.

What causes facet joint pain?

Injury, repetitive movement, and wear from age or activity can all damage the facet joints. Damage to a spinal disc can also place extra stress on the nearby facet joints.

Lifestyle factors may add to the strain. These include excess weight, poor posture, lifting awkwardly, and sitting for long periods in a poorly designed chair.

How we assess facet joint pain

During your consultation, our doctor will assess your back pain with a thorough history and examination. Facet joint problems can sometimes be identified on X-rays, MRI scan and CT scans. If the source of the pain is uncertain, we may offer a diagnostic injection of local anesthetic to determine if the facet joint is the pain generator.

Treatment options for facet joint pain

The right plan depends on your pain, your scans and your daily life. Options we discuss with you include:

Conservative care: exercise, posture education, physical therapy, medicines, heat and changes to daily activities.
Facet joint injections: a small dose of steroid placed in or around the facet joints. Read more about facet joint injections.
Radiofrequency ablation: a specialized needle is placed alongside the nerve that supplies the facet joint. This specialized needle has a tip that can be heated up to 80 degrees celsius. This results in interruption of the nerves that supply the facet joints. Since these nerves provide only sensory input to the brain, denervation will not result in weakness or functional changes. Read more about facet joint denervation.

What to expect after facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation

Facet joint injections or radiofrequency ablation are minimally invasive procedures performed under local anesthesia or sedation. There is usually minimal to no downtime after facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation. Most people can return to usual activities the next day.

Facet joint pain treatment at Alleviate Pain Clinic

We take a multidisciplinary approach to back and neck pain. If you would like us to assess your pain, contact us to arrange an appointment.

Dr Christopher Liu, Pain Physician

MOH accredited Pain Specialist and Medical Director of Alleviate Pain Clinic at Farrer Park Hospital. He completed an interventional pain fellowship at the University Health Network in Toronto and was previously a Senior Consultant in Pain Medicine at Singapore General Hospital.

Related conditions

Back painPain in the lower back Neck painPain in the neck and shoulders Disc herniationA bulging or slipped disc

Related treatments

Facet joint injectionsTreatment Facet joint denervationTreatment

References

Singapore General Hospital, Pain Management Centre. Facet joint syndrome treatment. sgh.com.sg
Juch JNS, Maas ET, Ostelo RWJG, et al. Effect of radiofrequency denervation on pain intensity among patients with chronic low back pain: the Mint randomized clinical trials. JAMA. 2017;318(1):68–81. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7918
Cohen SP, Doshi TL, Constantinescu OC, et al. Effectiveness of lumbar facet joint blocks and predictive value before radiofrequency denervation: the Facet Treatment Study (FACTS), a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Anesthesiology. 2018;129(3):517–535. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000002274
Cohen SP, Moon JY, Brummett CM, White RL, Larkin TM. Medial branch blocks or intra-articular injections as a prognostic tool before lumbar facet radiofrequency denervation: a multicenter, case-control study. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2015;40(4):376. rapm.bmj.com
Ministry of Health, Singapore. MediSave and MediShield Life coverage for surgical procedures (Table of Surgical Procedures). moh.gov.sg

This page gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please see a doctor about your own symptoms and treatment options.

Common questions

What is facet joint pain?

Facet joint pain is back or neck pain caused by a problem in the facet joints, the small joints that connect the vertebrae on both sides of the spine. Doctors also call it facet joint syndrome.

What does facet joint pain feel like?

The pain is usually felt at the affected level of the spine and is often worse when you lean backwards, extend your neck or lower back, or twist at the waist. It can spread to the buttocks and thighs from the lower back, or to the head, upper back and shoulders from the neck.

How is facet joint pain diagnosed?

We begin with your history and a physical examination. X-rays, and sometimes an MRI or CT scan, help us look at the spine. A diagnostic injection of local anaesthetic, guided by real-time X-ray, can then help us judge whether a facet joint is the source of your pain.

What treatments are available for facet joint pain in Singapore?

Options include exercise, posture education, physical therapy, medicines, heat and changes to daily activities. We may also discuss facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation, depending on your assessment.

How does radiofrequency ablation work for facet joint pain?

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat on the nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joint, with the aim of giving longer-lasting relief than an injection.

Will treatment work for everyone with facet joint pain?

Results differ from person to person. Choosing the right patient matters, so we first work out whether a facet joint is the likely source of your pain. Previous back surgery and ongoing opioid use can reduce the chance of benefit. We explain the likely benefits and risks of each option before you decide.

Does insurance cover interventional pain treatments in Singapore?

Interventional pain procedures are covered by the Ministry of Health's Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). They are therefore reimbursable by all Integrated Shield Plans and most corporate insurance plans. However, it is advisable to obtain preauthorisation from your insurer before the procedure. Our clinic staff will guide you through this process.