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 movement. Each joint has smooth cartilage, a capsule, and nerve supply. Facet joints help limit excessive motion while allowing the spine to bend, rotate, and support everyday activities.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal synovial joint
Used for
Guiding spinal motion
Common confusion
Often confused with intervertebral discs
Also called
Zygapophyseal joint, Facet articulation
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit behind the vertebral bodies.
- Their surfaces guide and limit spinal motion.
- Facet joints are not the same as spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint works as a paired connection between the back portions of neighboring vertebrae. Its cartilage-covered surfaces glide as the spine bends or turns. A surrounding capsule helps contain the joint and supports controlled movement.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Intervertebral Disc, Joint Mobility.
Facet joint function depends on its position in the spine. Facet joints in the neck support turning and tilting, while lumbar facet joints guide bending and help limit excessive rotation. A clinician may consider joint location, spinal range of motion, tenderness, and related movement patterns when assessing this area. The lumbar spine and intervertebral disc are nearby structures, but they serve different roles.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Newnan team
When we assess facet joint involvement during Back Pain Treatment, we review spinal movement, posture, and the pattern of discomfort together. We also consider nearby structures because similar symptoms can involve a disc, muscle, or sacroiliac joint.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
During Back Pain Treatment, a person may report discomfort that increases when the lower back extends or rotates. The examination considers lumbar motion and nearby tissues to determine whether facet joint irritation may be part of the pattern.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the spinal column between the rib-bearing back and the…
Intervertebral Disc
An Intervertebral Disc is a flexible cushion between adjacent spinal bones, called vertebrae. Each disc has…
Joint Mobility
Joint Mobility is the capacity of a joint to move freely through its available range while…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is discomfort felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure generating…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Newnan
Have Questions About Facet Joint?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Newnan for practical guidance on Facet Joint and related chiropractor work in Newnan.