What Is a Facet Joint?
A facet joint is a small, paired joint at the back of the spine that connects neighboring vertebrae. Each joint has smooth cartilage and a surrounding capsule that support controlled spinal movement. Facet joints help guide bending and rotation while limiting excessive motion between adjacent spinal bones.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal synovial joint
Used for
Guiding spinal movement
Common confusion
Often confused with intervertebral discs
Also called
Zygapophyseal joint, Posterior spinal joint
Often discussed with
Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit behind the vertebral bodies.
- They guide bending and rotation in the spine.
- Facet joints are not the same as spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint guides movement between neighboring vertebrae through two small joint surfaces at the back of the spine. Smooth cartilage helps the surfaces move against each other, while a joint capsule surrounds the connection. Nerves near the joint can contribute to pain signals when local tissues become irritated.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Intervertebral Disc, Joint Mobilization.
Facet joints work with the intervertebral disc and spinal muscles to share movement and load. Their position differs by spinal region, so neck facet joints support motion that differs from motion in the lower back. During a neck pain evaluation, a clinician considers movement, tenderness, symptoms, and nearby structures together because no single finding identifies the facet joint as the sole source of pain.
From the Advanced Injury Care Clinic team
When we assess facet joint involvement during Neck Pain Treatment, we consider the location and behavior of symptoms alongside neck motion and nearby tissues. Our team uses the examination findings to guide care and to distinguish joint-related patterns from symptoms associated with muscles, discs, or nerves.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with neck pain may notice discomfort when turning the head or looking upward. During Neck Pain Treatment, the examination may assess those movements and the surrounding tissues to determine whether facet joint irritation fits the overall pattern.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the upper section of the vertebral column located in the neck. It supports…
Intervertebral Disc
An intervertebral disc is a flexible cushion between neighboring spinal bones called vertebrae. Each disc has…
Joint Mobilization
Joint Mobilization is a hands-on technique that applies controlled, gentle movement to a joint and its…
Range of Motion
Range of Motion is the amount and direction a joint can move through its available movement…
Advanced Injury Care Clinic
Have Questions About Facet Joint?
Contact Advanced Injury Care Clinic for practical guidance on Facet Joint and related chiropractor work in Hermitage.