Facet Joint Pain

What is Facet Joint Pain?

This is known as facet joint syndrome and is not a common cause of back pain. It is a pain arising from the facet joint’s which are in your back at either side of the spinal column, between the discs and vertebral bodies. The pain is usually just to one side of the spine, which is made worse by side bending or backward bending, as these extend the spine.

Facet joint pain is more common in elderly people, usually over 50 years of age.

What causes it?

There are multiple things that may cause facet joint pain. An injury or changes resulting from aging can cause the cartilage cushion that covers the bones to gradually wear away. This causes pain as the bones of the joint rub against each other. Another possible cause is when the small nerves, which branch out for the spinal nerves supplying the facet joints, are irritated or pinched, which leads to pain. Another issue which can cause pain from the facet joints is poor posture, as well as disc degeneration, trauma and inflammation.

How can we help?

Our physiotherapists will treat your facet join pain to reduce pain and inflammation and to increase movement which is pain free. The exercises and treatment provided will build your strength, boost circulation and develop greater flexibility.