What Is a Facet Joint?
Facet Joint is a small synovial joint at the back of the spine that connects neighboring vertebrae. Facet joints guide spinal movement, limit excessive twisting, and help stabilize each spinal segment. Their smooth cartilage surfaces and surrounding capsule allow controlled motion while distributing forces through the spine.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal synovial joint
Used for
Guiding spinal movement
Common confusion
Often confused with an intervertebral disc
Also called
Zygapophyseal joint, Apophyseal joint
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit at the back of the spinal column.
- Their paired surfaces guide bending and rotation.
- Facet joints are not the same as spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint connects the back portions of adjacent vertebrae. Each joint has opposing surfaces covered with cartilage, a capsule around the joint, and fluid that helps the surfaces move smoothly. The joint works with the disc and supporting muscles to control motion through the spinal segment.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Joint Mobilization, Referred Pain.
Facet joints guide flexion, extension, and rotation while limiting movement that could strain nearby structures. Irritation or altered motion may produce localized back or neck discomfort, and symptoms may sometimes spread into nearby areas. Clinicians consider the reported pattern, movement, and physical findings when assessing the possible role of facet joints. Intervertebral discs sit between vertebral bodies and serve a different structural role.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah team
When we assess a facet joint during Back Pain Treatment, we consider the location of discomfort, spinal movement, and nearby muscle tension. We connect those findings with the broader examination instead of treating one structure as the sole explanation.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with low back discomfort may notice more symptoms during repeated extension or rotation. During Back Pain Treatment, we assess how those movements affect the lumbar spine and whether the facet joint appears relevant to the overall pattern.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine…
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is a hands-on manual therapy technique that applies controlled movement to a joint and…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is a pain pattern felt in an area away from the tissue causing the…
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine that may reduce room for…
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