Facet joint pain is a cause of pain in the back. The facet joints, also known as zygapophysial joints are synovial joints which help support the weight and control movement between individual vertebrae of the spine.

Anatomy

The facet joints or zygapophysial joints are synovial joints which help support the weight and control movement between individual vertebrae of the spine.

The facet joints work together with the intervertebral discs to enable the spine to move.The facets have an articular cartilage or hard, smooth cartilage on the ends of the done which along with the joint capsule allows movement but also provides stability.

Facet joints have a nerve supply from two levels, one branch arises from the nerve root at that level and the second from the level above. When functioning correctly, facet joints move freely controlling the movement of the spine.

Symptoms

Facet joint pain may arise directly from the facet joint either from inflammation or nerve impingement. This spasm of adjacent muscles is the bodies way of protecting the area and tries to prevent you from moving and incurring more damage.

Common symptoms associated with facet joint pain include:

Muscle spasms which can pull the spine out of alignment and cause back pain.
Often patients will report just bending over to tie a shoelace for example and suddenly being unable to move.
The usual acute attack of back pain involving facet joints occurs suddenly with no warning.

Treatment

Initial (acute) treatment

Cold therapy or hot packs.

Anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen may be helpful.

Try not to follow outdated advice to rest flat on your back for a week! It is better to try to get some gentle movement going within a day or so.

Further treatment.

After the acute stage has passed, treatments such as sports massage may help to ease associated muscle spasm.

Chiropractic mobilization may be helpful to free stiff joints and allow better movement but should only be done by a qualified professional.

Exercises to improve the posture and strengthen the back and core muscles may be helpful.

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