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. Covered with cartilage and surrounded by a joint capsule, each facet joint helps the spine bend and rotate while limiting excessive movement. Facet joints occur throughout the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal synovial joint
Used for
Guiding and limiting spinal motion
Common confusion
Often confused with intervertebral discs
Also called
Zygapophyseal Joint, Zygapophysial joint
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment, Chiropractic Adjustment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit behind the vertebral bodies.
- Their surfaces guide bending and rotation.
- Facet joints are not the same as spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint works where the smooth surfaces of neighboring vertebrae meet. Joint cartilage helps the surfaces move against each other, while a capsule surrounds the joint and contains lubricating fluid. Small spinal nerves can carry pain signals from the surrounding joint tissues.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Vertebra, Intervertebral Disc.
Facet joint direction changes by spinal region, so movement differs in the neck, mid-back, and lower back. The joints help guide bending and rotation while limiting movement that could strain nearby structures. Intervertebral discs sit between the vertebral bodies and absorb load, while facet joints guide motion behind them.
During back pain treatment, a clinician considers the pain pattern, spinal movement, and findings from a physical examination. A lumbar spine facet joint may be assessed when lower-back symptoms change with certain movements or positions.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team
When we assess facet joint involvement during back pain treatment, we consider movement, posture, and the location of symptoms together. Our team also checks nearby muscles and nerves because several spinal structures can produce similar pain patterns. These findings help guide an appropriate care plan.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with lower-back discomfort may notice symptoms during extension or rotation. During back pain treatment, the clinician examines lumbar movement and related tissues to determine whether facet joint irritation may contribute.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column between the thoracic spine and pelvis…
Vertebra
A vertebra is one of the individual bones that forms the spinal column. Each vertebra has…
Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc is a flexible pad between neighboring vertebrae that helps separate the spinal bones…
Joint Mobilization
Joint Mobilization is a hands-on manual therapy technique that applies controlled movement to a joint without…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City
Have Questions About Facet Joint?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City for practical guidance on Facet Joint and related chiropractor work in Garden City.