The MSK Studio - spinal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic in Adelaide

Facet Joint Syndrome

Region affected

Lumbar / Cervical / Thoracic spine

Common in

Adults 35 - 66

Onset

Gradual or acute

Related conditions

Disc Bulge, Spinal Stenosis, Spondylosis

Facet joint syndrome refers to pain and dysfunction arising from the facet joints, the small paired joints located between adjacent vertebrae throughout the spine. These joints are responsible for guiding and limiting spinal movement, and they play an important role in relaying information to the brain about the position and load status of the spine. Because they are richly innervated, they have significant capacity to generate pain when they become irritated, compressed, inflamed or restricted.

Facet joint syndrome can affect any region of the spine, the lumbar facets are the most common source of low back pain, while cervical facet involvement is frequently seen in neck pain and headache presentations. The condition can present as localised joint pain, or may refer pain into the buttock, hip or leg (in lumbar presentations) or into the head, shoulder or arm (in cervical presentations).

What Causes Facet Joint Syndrome?

Signs and Symptoms

Facet joint dysfunction can develop from restricted movement, injury or degenerative changes:

Symptoms vary depending on which level of the spine is affected, but commonly include:

  • Prolonged sitting or sustained spinal postures that compress or restrict facet joint movement
  • Lack of regular physical activity and spinal mobility
  • Muscle spasm that holds the joint in a restricted or mal-aligned position
  • Arthritic changes within the facet joint itself
  • An acute uncontrolled movement that jams or sprains the joint
  • Trauma to the spine such as a fall or motor vehicle accident
  • Localised back or neck pain that may be sharp or aching in quality
  • Pain close to and on one or both sides of the spine
  • Reduced spinal mobility, particularly with rotation or extension
  • Pain that refers into the buttock, hip or thigh (lumbar) or into the shoulder and arm (cervical)
  • Muscle guarding and stiffness around the affected segment

What Causes Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet joint dysfunction can develop from restricted movement, injury or degenerative changes:

  • Prolonged sitting or sustained spinal postures that compress or restrict facet joint movement
  • Lack of regular physical activity and spinal mobility
  • Muscle spasm that holds the joint in a restricted or mal-aligned position
  • Arthritic changes within the facet joint itself
  • An acute uncontrolled movement that jams or sprains the joint
  • Trauma to the spine such as a fall or motor vehicle accident

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on which level of the spine is affected, but commonly include:

  • Localised back or neck pain that may be sharp or aching in quality
  • Pain close to and on one or both sides of the spine
  • Reduced spinal mobility, particularly with rotation or extension
  • Pain that refers into the buttock, hip or thigh (lumbar) or into the shoulder and arm (cervical)
  • Muscle guarding and stiffness around the affected segment

How The MSK Studio Treats
Facet Joint Syndrome

At The MSK Studio in Adelaide, assessment identifies the specific joint or joints involved and the pattern of restriction or irritation. Treatment involves targeted joint mobilisation techniques to restore normal movement and reduce pain, combined with soft tissue work to address the muscle guarding that develops around the affected segment. As symptoms settle, a progressive exercise program addresses the movement and loading patterns that contributed to the problem.

Back Pain Physiotherapy

Related Conditions

Degenerative Disc Disease

Discogenic Back Pain

Spinal Stenosis

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