[The facet syndrome: frequent cause of chronic backaches].

The lumbar facet syndrome (LFS) is a frequent cause of chronic backaches. A reliable diagnosis can be made through repeated facet blockades.The diagnosis is considered confirmed if the pain is significantly reduced over several hours. In addition to oral pain medication and physical measures, alternative minimally invasive therapeutic possibilities include surgical stabilization, as well as facet joint denervation. Both can be performed as thermodenervation or cryotherapy.