What is Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joint pain occurs in the small joints located at the back of the spine, known as facet joints. These joints help stabilise the spine and allow for smooth movement. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain in the back or neck.

Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain

• Localised Pain: Pain typically felt in the lower back or neck, which can sometimes radiate to the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs.

• Stiffness: Difficulty moving or bending the back, especially after periods of inactivity.

• Worsening with Certain Movements: The pain often increases with activities that involve twisting or extending the spine, such as reaching or turning.

Facet joint pain is often caused by wear and tear over time, but it can also result from injury or poor posture. Treatments may include physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or medications to help relieve the pain and improve mobility.

Reference:

Roussel, N. A., et al. (2021). "Effectiveness of manual therapy and exercise for managing facet joint pain: A systematic review and network meta-analysis." European Spine Journal, 30(3), 649-663.

What Causes Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joint pain originates from the small joints located between the vertebrae in your spine, known as facet joints. These joints help stabilise and guide spinal movement. Several factors can lead to facet joint pain:

• Osteoarthritis: OA can cause the cartilage in the facet joints to wear down, leading to pain and stiffness.

• Injury: Trauma or repetitive strain can damage the facet joints, resulting in pain.

• Poor Posture: Long-term poor posture can put extra stress on these joints, contributing to discomfort.

• Disc Degeneration: As we age, the discs between the vertebrae can lose height and elasticity, increasing pressure on the facet joints.

Facet joint pain can cause localised pain in the back or neck, and sometimes it may radiate to other areas, such as the hips or legs. Treatment often involves a combination of physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and lifestyle modifications.

Reference:

Tontodonati, M., et al. (2022). "Facet Joint Osteoarthritis and Its Association with Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review." Spine, 47(10), 734-742.

What is a Typical Treatment Plan for Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joint pain, often caused by arthritis or injury, affects the small joints in the spine that help stabilise and guide movement. A typical treatment plan for facet joint pain usually includes several key components:

1. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractors may use spinal manipulation or adjustments to help improve joint function and reduce pain. These techniques aim to restore proper alignment and mobility in the affected joints.

2. Myofascial Exercise: Specific exercises are recommended to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the spine. These exercises help support the facet joints, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. They also target the fascia, the connective tissue that can contribute to muscle pain and stiffness.

3. Education and Self-Management: Learning about the condition and proper body mechanics is crucial. Patients are educated on posture, ergonomic adjustments, and strategies to avoid aggravating the pain. This education helps in managing the condition and preventing future episodes.

4. Additional Therapies: Depending on the severity, other treatments like physical therapy, hot or cold packs, and anti-inflammatory medications might be recommended to complement chiropractic care.

This multi-faceted approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of facet joint pain. Most patients see improvement with a combination of these treatments, although the exact plan may vary based on individual needs.

Reference:

Koes, B. W., van Tulder, M. W., & Thomas, S. (2020). "Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain and sciatica." BMJ, 370, m2200.

What are the Best Exercises for Facet Joint Pain?

Facet joint pain, often caused by inflammation or arthritis in the small joints at the back of the spine, can be managed effectively with targeted exercises. These exercises focus on improving flexibility, strength, and stability to reduce pain and prevent future issues. Here are some of the best exercises:

• Cat-Cow Stretch: This exercise helps improve spinal flexibility. Start on your hands and knees, then alternate between arching your back (cow pose) and rounding it (cat pose). Move slowly and gently.

• Bridges: This exercise strengthens the lower back and glutes. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, hold briefly, then lower back down.

• Pelvic Tilts: These help strengthen the abdominal muscles and reduce lower back strain. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Flatten your lower back against the floor by tightening your abdominal muscles, then relax.

• Knee-to-Chest Stretch: This stretch helps relieve lower back tension. Lie on your back, bring one knee to your chest while keeping the other leg bent or straight, hold for a few seconds, then switch legs.

• Bird-Dog Exercise: This strengthens your core and lower back. Start on your hands and knees, extend one arm forward and the opposite leg back, then switch sides.

Always consult with a healthcare professional or chiropractor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have chronic pain or underlying conditions.

Reference:

Wippert, P. M., et al. (2023). "Effectiveness of Exercise Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials." Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 36(2), 289-305.

How Does Pain from Facet Joints Develop?

Pain from facet joints typically develops due to issues with the small joints located at the back of the spine. These joints help your spine move smoothly and provide stability. Here’s how pain can develop:

• Joint Irritation or Inflammation: Over time, the facet joints can become irritated or inflamed due to wear and tear, poor posture, or injury. This irritation can cause pain in the lower back or neck.

• Joint Dysfunction: Sometimes, the facet joints can become stiff or misaligned, which can lead to discomfort and reduced range of motion. This can occur from repetitive stress or sudden movements.

• Degenerative Changes: As we age, the cartilage in the facet joints can wear down, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. This can result in pain and stiffness in the affected area.

Facet joint pain often feels like a deep, aching pain in the back or neck and may be accompanied by stiffness. It can sometimes radiate to the buttocks or thighs, depending on which part of the spine is affected. Treatment often includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes to manage pain and improve function.

Reference:

Steffens, D., et al. (2021). "Effectiveness of spinal manipulation for acute low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials." European Spine Journal, 30(5), 1310-1322.

How Can We Help You?

At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to help you find relief from your MSK pain and discomfort. Our approach to treatment is tailored to meet your individual health needs and includes a combination of Chiropractic Treatment, Exercise Therapy, Myofascial Therapy, Dry Needling and Patient Education (NRE).

What If We Cannot Help You?

While we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes utilising our specialist services, we understand that some cases may require additional intervention. If your condition does not improve as expected or if we believe that another approach might be more appropriate, we can:

• Refer You to Your GP: We will coordinate with your General Practitioner to ensure you receive the appropriate medical evaluation and care.

• Recommend Diagnostic Imaging: If necessary, we may suggest diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition and inform the next steps in your treatment.

• Refer You to a Specialist: In cases where specialised care is needed, we will refer you to a trusted specialist to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Our commitment is to your health and well-being, and we will guide you every step of the way to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.