Facet Joint Irritation 

Facet joints, anatomically known as the zygapophyseal joints, form connections from the arch of one vertebrae to an adjacent vertebrae and is surrounded by a synvival membrane which contains synovial fluid. While facet joints are a debated cause of spinal pain, each facet joint has a nerve supply from the medial branches from posterior primary rami (nerves) and it is thought that as they have a nerve supply they can also be a source of nociception (danger signals). 

Facet joint irritation can be idiopathic, can be a result of repetitive movements into a certain direction (for example repetitive extension or sideways bending) or through a result of trauma.

People who are experiencing facet joint irritation may report:

• Local pressure pain at level of affected joint

• Increased tone and tension in surrounding musculature

• Decreased range of movement

• Stiffness

• Discomfort with prolonged sitting

Following a thorough history, a physical examination will take place which typically examines:

• Observation of increased tone on the affected side

• Active and passive range of movement of the thoracic spine

• Tenderness on palpation at the level of the affected facet joint

• Sensory examination to rule out any disc / neural involvement

• Muscle strength testing

Physiotherapy can help facet joint irritation in a number of ways:

• Advice and education

• Mobilisation and manipulation

• Soft tissue massage

• Pain management

• Acupuncture

• Home exercise programme

• Taping

• Graded return to sport / physical activity