Facet Joint Pain

Targeted Cryoneurolysis for Spinal Joint–Related Back and Neck Pain

What Is It?

Facet joint pain arises from the small, stabilizing joints located between the vertebrae of the spine. Each vertebral level has a pair of facet joints — one on each side — that allow for smooth movement and prevent excessive motion.

When these joints become inflamed or irritated, they can cause persistent pain and stiffness, often referred to as facet syndrome. Pain may occur in the neck, upper back, mid-back, or lower back, depending on which segment of the spine is affected.

Symptoms of facet joint pain may include:

  • Aching or sharp pain near the spine
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion (especially after rest)
  • Pain with twisting, bending, or prolonged sitting
  • Referred pain into the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs
  • Symptoms that improve with forward flexion and worsen with extension

Common Causes

Facet joint pain is often caused by:

  • Degenerative changes (arthritis or wear-and-tear)
  • Spinal misalignment or poor posture
  • Injury from sports, work, or motor vehicle accidents
  • Overuse or repetitive strain
  • Post-surgical irritation following spinal procedures

How Cryoneurolysis Helps

Barcelona Cryo Center performs ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis to target the medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. By safely disrupting these nerves, cryoneurolysis can offer meaningful pain relief while preserving structural and motor function.

Key Benefits:

  • Minimally invasive: No incisions, no general anesthesia
  • Targeted therapy: Focuses only on the nerves transmitting pain from the facet joints
  • Long-lasting relief: Effects typically last several months and may be repeated
  • No opioid medications: Offers a drug-free solution for chronic spinal pain
  • Ultrasound-guided precision: Real-time imaging ensures safe and accurate nerve localization

Ideal Candidates

You may benefit from cryoneurolysis for facet joint pain if you:

  • Have chronic pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back
  • Experience stiffness or worsening pain with movement or posture
  • Have been diagnosed with facet syndrome or arthritic spinal joints
  • Have had limited success with medications, injections, or physical therapy
  • Are looking for a minimally invasive, nerve-preserving treatment option

Regain Your Movement, Reclaim Your Life

Don’t let spinal joint pain hold you back. Cryoneurolysis offers a proven path to relief — without surgery or long-term medication dependency.

Book your consultation with Barcelona Cryo Center today.

Neck, Spine & Back Pain Conditions We Treat

Cryoneurolysis may be an effective treatment for a range of nerve-related pain conditions affecting the neck and back:

Lower Back Pain

Chronic or post-surgical lumbar pain that may involve nerve compression, muscle strain, or degenerative conditions.

Facet Joint Pain

Pain originating from the small joints between spinal vertebrae, often worsened by twisting, bending, or prolonged standing.

Occipital Neuralgia

Stabbing or aching pain in the back of the head or upper neck, often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches.

Meralgia Paresthetica

Burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

Cluneal Neuralgia (Pseudo-Sciatic Pain)

Pain in the lower back, buttock, or upper thigh caused by irritation or entrapment of the cluneal nerves—often mistaken for sciatica.

Ready to Feel Relief?

Explore the individual conditions listed above or book a consultation today to discuss whether cryoneurolysis is right for you.

Why Patients Choose Barcelona Cryo Center

  • Minimally Invasive

    Cryoneurolysis requires only a small skin puncture. No incision or general anesthesia is needed, which means minimal tissue impact and faster recovery.
  • Outpatient Care

    The treatment is completed during a single clinic visit. Patients come in, receive care, and return home the same day without hospital admission.
  • Ultrasound Guided

    Real-time imaging ensures precise placement next to the target nerve and improves both safety and effectiveness.
  • Evidence-Based Relief

    Clinical studies show that Cryoneurolysis can provide lasting relief from chronic pain while reducing the need for ongoing medication.
  • Specialized Pain Center

    Barcelona Cryo Center focuses exclusively on chronic pain, post-surgical pain, and spastic paresis related to conditions.
  • Unique In Barcelona

    Founded in Denmark in 2014, now in Barcelona offering ultrasound guided Cryoneurolysis, as well as advanced treatments for spasticity.
  • Opioid-Free Approach

    We treat chronic pain without using opioids such as morphine or related drugs.
  • Quality Of Life Focus

    Our goal is to help people with chronic or acute pain and spastic paresis live with less pain and greater independence.

Coverage

Prices in EUR
Consultation €100
Ultrasound-guided diagnostic block €250
Cryoneurolysis treatment for pain €1,500
Hyaluron injection – consultation + injection package €400
PRP – 3 treatment sessions €930

What to Expect

1

Free Records Review

We review your medical history to see if our approach is a good fit for your condition

2

Consultation

Patients who are a good fit for treatment will meet in person to further discuss

3

Treatment

Ultrasound-guided Cryoneurolysis, minimally invasive

4

Relief

Improved mobility and quality of life; plan for next steps

Meet Your Care Team

Real clinicians, modern methods, and a patient-first approach.

Igor Filipovski

Specialist in anesthesiology

Ognen Poposki

Specialist in Rehabilitation and Pain

Sonja Zikova

Administration and Finance Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Click to open

Generally considered safe with trained clinicians; side effects can include temporary numbness, bruising, soreness.

Varies by condition; some patients have relief for months; plans can be revisited.

Coverage varies and is discussed at the consultation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Share a brief description of what you are looking for and we will follow up to schedule your consultation.
Please do not include medical history or sensitive personal information.

Consent *

Clinic Information

Address:
Pg. de la Bonanova, 91, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona

Phone: +34647915544

Monday: 16:00 to 20:00
Tuesday: 16:00 to 20:00
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 16:00 to 20:00
Friday: 16:00 to 20:00

Saturday and Sunday: By appointment