What Is a Facet Joint?
A facet joint is a small paired joint at the back of the spine that connects neighboring vertebrae and guides spinal motion. Each joint has cartilage and a surrounding capsule. Facet joints help the spine bend and rotate while limiting excessive movement. Irritation in these joints can contribute to localized back or neck pain.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal synovial joint
Used for
Guiding spinal movement
Common confusion
Often confused with disc pain
Also called
Zygapophyseal Joint, Apophyseal joint
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit at the back of neighboring vertebrae.
- They guide motion and help limit excessive spinal movement.
- Facet joint pain is not the same as disc-related pain.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint is covered with smooth cartilage that allows nearby vertebrae to move against each other. A thin capsule surrounds the joint and contains fluid that supports smooth motion. Small nerves near the joint can send pain signals when the joint or nearby tissues become irritated.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine, Intervertebral Disc.
Facet joints help control how the spine bends, extends, and rotates. Their position differs by spinal region, so movement varies between the neck, mid-back, and lower back. A clinician considers the pain location, movement pattern, and physical findings when assessing possible facet joint involvement. The lumbar spine often receives attention during a back pain assessment because its facet joints help manage movement in the lower back.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team
When we assess facet joint involvement, we review the location and behavior of back pain alongside spinal movement and surrounding muscle findings. Our team uses that information to guide care within Back Pain Treatment and to distinguish a possible facet-related pattern from disc or nerve-related symptoms.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person may feel localized lower back discomfort that increases during extension or rotation. During Back Pain Treatment, the examination considers whether the movement pattern fits facet joint irritation or points toward another source.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and pelvis…
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the spinal column that supports the head and protects…
Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc is a flexible cushion between neighboring spinal bones called vertebrae. Each disc has…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is discomfort felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure producing…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City
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