Facet Joint Syndrome in Seoul, Korea

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English-speaking facet joint pain care made easy at one trusted clinic in Seoul. Discover Nucellin’s doctor-supervised, image-guided treatments, transparent pricing, and real patient results—all in one place.

Welcome for International Patients

Nagging neck or low-back pain that worsens with extension and twisting is often facet joint–related. At Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic (Yongsan, Seoul), Dr. Kim Hee-Jun provides doctor-supervised, English-friendly care to pinpoint your pain source and restore comfortable movement—often without surgery.

What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet joints are the small joints at the back of the spine that guide motion. With age, posture stress, or injury, they can become inflamed or arthritic, causing localized neck or low-back pain, morning stiffness, and pain with standing, arching back, or turning. Pain may refer to the shoulder blade, buttock, or thigh without true nerve symptoms.

Common Symptoms We See

  • Aching pain on one or both sides of the neck or low back
  • Worse with extension/rotation, improved with gentle flexion or sitting
  • Morning stiffness, limited range, painful “catching” on movement
  • Tenderness over facet joints; normal leg/arm strength and sensation (typically)
Final diagnosis follows an orthopedic exam and imaging review; diagnostic injections may be used to confirm the facet as the pain source.

Our Treatment Approach

1) Precise Evaluation

Targeted exam, movement testing, and review of X-ray/MRI (bring prior images if available) to differentiate facet, disc, SI joint, and myofascial causes.

2) Conservative Care First

  • Personalized physical therapy: mobility in safe ranges, core/hip or deep-neck flexor strength, postural control
  • Ergonomics & load management: workstation setup, lifting mechanics, travel tips
  • Modalities: therapeutic ultrasound, heat/ice, taping/bracing as indicated
  • Home program: travel-friendly exercises with clear progressions

3) Image-Guided Procedures (Case-by-Case)

  • Facet joint injections (ultrasound/fluoroscopy-guided) to calm inflammation and confirm diagnosis
  • Medial branch blocks to test if the small facet nerves are driving pain
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) referral when blocks are positive and pain recurs
  • Adjuncts: trigger point injections for secondary muscle spasm; ESI if disc/nerve irritation coexists
All procedures are performed with image guidance for accuracy and safety.

4) Return to Activity & Prevention

Milestone-based return to walking, desk work, gym, and sport; posture coaching and recurrence-prevention strategy.

Why Choose Nucellin & Dr. Kim

  • Orthopedic specialist oversight from diagnosis to follow-up
  • English-speaking team with clear explanations and written aftercare
  • Integrated pathway: rehab + image-guided procedures + (when appropriate) regenerative options
  • Transparent pricing and travel-smart scheduling for expats, students, and visitors

What to Expect

  1. Consult & Exam — Bring prior imaging/reports if available.
  2. Personalized Plan — Goals, options, timeline, and cost estimate.
  3. Treatment Phase — Structured PT; targeted injections if indicated.
  4. Return to Activity — Stepwise criteria for work, training, and travel.
  5. Follow-Up — In-clinic or remote check-ins; maintenance program.

FAQs (Quick)

  • Is facet pain the same as a herniated disc? No—facet pain is mechanical and localized; disc pain often radiates with nerve signs.
  • How fast will I feel better? Many improve within 2–6 weeks; injections can speed flare control.
  • Will I need RFA? Only if medial branch blocks clearly show facet-driven pain and symptoms recur.
  • Can I keep exercising? Usually yes—with technique and load modifications we’ll outline.

Pricing & Booking

We provide upfront, transparent pricing and itemized receipts (check your policy for reimbursement).
Ready for relief? Book a facet joint evaluation with Dr. Kim Hee-Jun at Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic and get a clear, English-friendly plan in the heart of Seoul.