Facet Syndrome in Springfield VA

If you have persistent neck pain, lower back pain, stiffness, or pain when twisting or bending, you may be suffering from Facet Syndrome in Springfield VA — one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of chronic spine pain.

At Thrive Integrative Health, we specialize in identifying and treating facet joint dysfunction using advanced imaging, precision chiropractic care, decompression, rehabilitation, and regenerative-based therapies to help you get lasting relief — without drugs or surgery.

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What Is Facet Syndrome?

Your spine is made up of small stabilizing joints called facet joints. These joints guide motion and prevent excessive twisting, bending, or compression of the spine.

When these joints become:

• Inflamed
• Arthritic
• Compressed
• Misaligned
• Or damaged from injury

… they can cause Facet Syndrome, leading to sharp, aching, or radiating spinal pain.

Facet Syndrome commonly affects the:

• Neck (cervical spine)
• Mid-back (thoracic spine)
• Lower back (lumbar spine)

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Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet pain can mimic disc herniations, sciatica, or muscle strain — which is why it is often misdiagnosed.

Common symptoms include:

• Deep neck or lower back pain
• Pain when twisting, bending, or extending
• Morning stiffness
• Pain that worsens with standing or walking
• Pain that improves when sitting or leaning forward
• Pain that does not travel below the knee (unlike disc injuries)
• Localized tenderness along the spine

Many patients are told they have “arthritis” or “degeneration” — but facet dysfunction is often the true driver of their pain.

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What Causes Facet Syndrome?

Facet joints wear out and become irritated due to:

• Poor posture
• Spinal misalignment
• Previous injuries or car accidents
• Degenerative arthritis
• Repetitive motion
• Weak core and stabilizer muscles
• Disc degeneration increases joint stress

When discs lose height, facet joints become overloaded — leading to chronic inflammation, nerve irritation, and restricted motion.

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How We Diagnose Facet Syndrome

At Thrive Integrative Health, we go far beyond a basic exam.

We use:

• Digital X-rays
• Functional movement assessments
• Posture & alignment analysis
• Neurological testing
• Joint motion testing

This allows us to identify:

• Which facet joints are involved
• How unstable the spine is
• Whether discs, nerves, or ligaments are contributing

We don’t guess — we measure.

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Facet Syndrome Relief in Springfield VA

Our goal is not just pain relief — we aim to restore joint health, stabilize the spine, and prevent future flare-ups.

Your customized treatment plan may include:

• Precision Chiropractic Adjustments
  Restore motion to stuck facet joints and unload irritated nerve endings.
• Spinal Decompression (Ergo-Flex)
  Relieves pressure on joints and discs, allowing inflammation to calm.
• Shockwave Therapy
  Stimulates healing in chronically inflamed ligaments and joint capsules.
• Corrective Exercise & Rehab
  Strengthens the muscles that stabilize your spine so the pain doesn’t come back.
• Postural & Ergonomic Correction
  Addresses the daily habits that keep aggravating your facet joints.

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Why Facet Pain Doesn’t Go Away on Its Own

Facet syndrome is a mechanical problem, not just inflammation.

Without correcting:

• Joint position
• Spinal alignment
• Disc loading
• Muscle stability

The joints continue to deteriorate — even if pain temporarily improves with rest or injections.

That’s why so many patients experience:

“It gets better… then comes right back.”

We focus on correcting the cause, not just masking symptoms.

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Who Is Most at Risk?

Facet syndrome is extremely common in:

• Adults over 35
• Desk workers
• Parents lifting children
• Athletes
• People with past car accidents
• Those with scoliosis or poor posture

If you’ve been told you have:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis
• Chronic back pain
• Failed injections
• Or “normal” MRIs but still hurt

Facet dysfunction is often the missing piece.

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Get Real Answers for Your Spine Pain

At Thrive Integrative Health, we are one of Northern Virginia’s leading clinics for advanced spine diagnostics and non-surgical pain solutions.

If you’re tired of:

• Pain meds
• Temporary injections
• Being told nothing is wrong
• Or living with daily stiffness and pain

We’re here to help you Thrive again.