What Is a Facet Joint?
A facet joint is a small paired joint at the back of the spine that connects neighboring vertebrae. Facet joints guide spinal movement and help limit excessive twisting. Each joint has cartilage and a capsule, which support smooth motion. Irritation in a facet joint may contribute to localized back or neck pain.
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, Z-joint
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit behind the vertebral bodies.
- Movement testing can reveal patterns linked to facet irritation.
- Facet joints are not the same as spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint works with nearby spinal structures to guide bending, extension, and rotation. The joint surfaces contain cartilage, while a surrounding capsule helps hold the connection together. Small muscles and ligaments also influence how the joint moves during ordinary activities.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Thoracic Spine, Intervertebral Disc.
Facet joints are assessed through the movement pattern of the spine and the location of related tenderness. A clinician may compare movements, posture, and nearby tissue responses during an examination. Facet joint findings can overlap with disc, muscle, or nerve-related conditions, so the joint is considered as part of the whole spinal region.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah team
When we assess facet joint involvement, we observe spinal movement, posture, and the location of discomfort. Our team also considers nearby muscles, discs, and nerve-related signs before connecting a finding to Back Pain Treatment. This approach helps keep the examination focused on the full movement pattern.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with back pain may feel more discomfort during arching or turning than during quiet sitting. During Back Pain Treatment, the clinician may compare those movements with spinal tenderness and nearby muscle tension.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the spinal column, located between the thoracic spine…
Thoracic Spine
Thoracic Spine is the middle section of the spinal column between the neck and lower back…
Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc is a flexible cushion between adjacent spinal bones called vertebrae. Each disc has…
Joint Mobilization
Joint Mobilization is a hands-on technique that applies controlled movement to a joint to improve motion…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Savannah
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