What is Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome?

What is Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome?

The facet joints are the small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae in your spine enabling you to bend and twist. Healthy facet joints have cartilage, which allows your vertebrae to move smoothly against each other without grinding. Each joint is lubricated with synovial fluid for additional protection against wear and tear. Facet joint syndrome is pain at the joint between two vertebrae in your spine.

What are the risk factors?

Facet joint syndrome can be caused by a combination of aging, gradual degeneration of your facet joints, or traumatic injury. When facet joints become worn the cartilage becomes thin causing pain and friction. The facet joints are in almost constant motion with the spine and quite commonly simply wear out or become degenerated in many patients. Facet pain can be associated with disc degeneration due to the narrowing disc space of each vertebrae which causes more pressure on the cartilage surface of the facet joint.

What are the symptoms?

• Limited range of motion made worse with extension or back bending
• Localized right, left or bilateral low back pain
• In severe cases symptoms into your buttocks, legs, and feet
• Persisting point tenderness overlying the inflamed facet joints

What are the treatment options?

• Physical rehabilitation to strengthen low back and core musculature
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can relieve pain and reduce symptoms
• Lumbar mobilization or manipulation techniques may provide pain relief
• In severe cases a cortisone injection may be recommended

Exercise Programming and Prevention strategies

It is important to include an exercise protocol that focuses on regaining strength and flexibility. Soft tissue work using a foam roller can be helpful to restore muscular imbalances in the area above and below the low back. As for all exercise protocols it is important to conduct the exercises on a regular basis for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine which would be the best treatment approach for you.