Facet Joint Pain and PRP Therapy: A Natural Approach to Spinal Arthritis Relief

Facet joint pain caused by spinal arthritis is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of adults, especially as they age. For those living with facet joint-related discomfort, daily life can feel limited and exhausting, and reliant on temporary fixes like medications or steroid injections.

Fortunately, relief is available. With platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, the body’s own healing properties are harnessed to target pain and inflammation and promote long-term tissue repair at the source of the pain. 

For individuals seeking a natural, non-surgical alternative to relieve facet joint pain, PRP therapy provides a promising new path forward.

What Is Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joints are the small, paired joints at the back of each vertebra in the spine that enable smooth, controlled movement like bending, twisting, and turning. Each joint is lined with cartilage and surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule that helps reduce friction, facilitate mobility, and stabilize the spine.

Over time, however, wear and tear or repetitive strain can cause the cartilage within these joints to break down—a condition known as facet joint osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis. As the joint deteriorates, inflammation can develop, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain that affects the neck, mid-back, or lower back.

Some common symptoms that indicate facet joint arthritis include:

• Localized pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back
• Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the spine
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting (especially when getting up) or standing
• Muscle spasms near the affected joints
• Radiating pain into the shoulders, buttocks, or upper thighs (depending on location)
• Increased discomfort in the morning or after periods of inactivity

How PRP Therapy Works for Facet Joints

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses components of your own blood to promote healing and reduce inflammation in damaged tissues. It is derived by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which are cells rich in growth factors that support tissue repair and reduce pain.

For facet joint pain, the concentrated PRP is precisely injected into the affected joints under image guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to ensure accuracy and safety. Once delivered to the inflamed area, the platelets release healing factors that stimulate repair of the irritated joint tissues, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve function over time.

After the procedure, most patients experience minimal downtime. Some may feel increased soreness or discomfort for a few days. Unlike steroid injections, which offer temporary immediate relief, PRP works gradually. Most patients notice improvements within 6-12 weeks that may last for 1-2 years.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP in Facet Joints?

While PRP injections are a safe and natural treatment option for many individuals, some patients are particularly well-suited to benefit from this regenerative therapy. 

You may be a strong candidate for PRP injections if:

• You have been diagnosed with facet joint arthritis or degeneration
• You experience chronic neck or back pain that has lasted longer than 3 months
• Conservative treatments (such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections) have not provided lasting relief
• You are seeking a non-surgical, drug-free option for managing spinal joint pain
• You prefer a treatment that uses your body’s own natural healing ability
• You are in generally good health and not taking blood-thinning medications

Your physiatrist will review your history and discuss your candidacy during a consultation to ensure that PRP therapy is right for you. 

A Regenerative Option Worth Considering

By harnessing the body’s natural healing capabilities, PRP can help reduce inflammation, restore joint function, and provide long-lasting relief, especially as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you’re living with persistent neck or back pain from facet joint arthritis, don’t wait to explore your options. Contact the board-certified, Top Doc-awarded physiatrists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward lasting, natural relief.