A Breakthrough in Back Pain Relief

Focused Shockwave Therapy for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

The team at Orthohealing Center is committed to providing evidence-based, noninvasive solutions for musculoskeletal pain. A new randomized, sham-controlled trial published in Pain Medicine (Nedelka et al., 2025) reveals that high-energy focused shockwave therapy (ESWT) offers powerful, lasting relief for chronic low back pain caused by lumbar facet joint dysfunction.

What Are Lumbar Facet Joints—and Why Do They Hurt?

The spine’s facet joints act like hinges that guide motion and provide stability. Over time, these joints can become inflamed or irritated due to aging, injury, or repetitive stress—leading to loss of natural lumbar curve, chronic low back pain, morning stiffness, fatigue with prolonged standing, and achiness with sit-to-stand.

Conventional treatments like injections or radiofrequency ablation can be helpful. But they often come with risks and limited duration of relief. The paraspinal muscles may atrophy and weaken over time, leading to a further deconditioning and instability not ideal for active individuals.

ESWT offers a promising new path.

The Study: Shockwaves That Heal
Researchers studied 128 patients with chronic lumbar facet pain confirmed by diagnostic blocks. Participants were split into two groups:

• Group A received focused ESWT—five weekly sessions delivering 1,200 high-energy shockwaves per treatment.
• Group B received a sham (placebo) treatment.

Results That Speak Volumes:

• Pain levels (VAS) dropped by over 64% at 12 months in the ESWT group.
• Disability scores (ODI) improved by 42%, compared to only 12% in the placebo group.
• Neuropathic symptoms also improved significantly in the ESWT group.
• MRI scans showed that 58.8% of treated patients had resolution of bone marrow edema—an inflammatory marker often linked to spinal pain.

Just as important—no adverse effects were reported throughout the study.

What This Means for You

If you’re one of the millions struggling with chronic low back pain, this study validates focused ESWT as a safe, nonsurgical treatment option—with durable results lasting well beyond one year.

The Orthohealing Center’s precision-guided approach is:

• Tailored to each patient’s spine and symptoms.
• Designed for optimal safety, accuracy, and outcomes.

As part of the process, our team cross-references MRI images with diagnostic ultrasound results. This crucial step allows us to identify and mark the exact location of the affected facet joint.

Whether you’re trying to avoid injections or seeking relief from a condition that hasn’t responded to traditional care, this noninvasive therapy could be right for you.

Ready to Explore Shockwave Therapy?

Contact Orthohealing Center today to schedule your consultation and learn if focused ESWT is right for you.

📍 Los Angeles, CA
📞 (310) 453-5404
🌐 www.orthohealing.com

Source: Nedelka T, Katolicky J, Nedelka J, Hobrough P, Knobloch K. Efficacy of high energy, focused ESWT in treatment of lumbar facet joint pain – a randomized sham-controlled trial. Pain Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002538.