What is facet joint pain? Facet joints are the small paired joints at the back of each spinal segment that guide and limit movement. When they become irritated or stiff, through strain, sustained postures or age-related wear, they can cause localised back or neck pain that is often worse when arching backwards, twisting or standing for long periods. Most facet joint pain is mechanical and manageable with the right assessment, movement and hands-on care.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- An ache to one or both sides of the spine, rather than in the middle
- Pain that is worse when leaning backwards, twisting or standing still for a long time
- Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting, easing as you move
- Referred pain into the buttock or upper thigh (lower back), or to the shoulder blade or back of the head (neck)
- Muscles tightening around the area as a protective response
Facet pain usually does not cause the burning, shooting pain below the knee, pins and needles or numbness that suggest nerve involvement. If you have those, see our sciatica page.
Causes
What causes it?
- Sustained postures, such as long hours at a desk or standing at work
- Sudden strain from lifting, twisting or a sporting movement
- Age-related changes in the joints and discs (facet joint osteoarthritis)
- Reduced movement and strength in the surrounding muscles
Assessment and treatment
How we assess and treat facet joint pain at our Manchester clinic
- Assessment: history, movement testing and orthopaedic and neurological checks to work out whether the facet joints are the likely source and rule out anything needing medical care.
- Hands-on care: joint mobilisation or manipulation and soft tissue work to ease pain and restore movement, where appropriate.
- Exercise: a short, specific routine to build mobility and strength through the back, hips and core.
- Advice: practical changes to your desk, lifting or training to reduce flare-ups.
If pain does not improve as expected, we will refer you to your GP, who can arrange further options such as specialist pain management.
Comparison
Facet joint pain, disc pain or sciatica?
These often overlap, and only an assessment can tell them apart, but these patterns are typical:
| Facet joint pain | Disc-related pain | Sciatica | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | To one or both sides of the spine; may refer to buttock or thigh | Central low back, sometimes into the buttock | Buttock and down the leg, often below the knee |
| Usually worse with | Arching back, twisting, standing still | Sitting, bending forward, coughing or sneezing | Sitting, bending, sometimes walking |
| Nerve symptoms | Uncommon | Possible | Common: tingling, numbness or weakness |
Self-care
What can you do at home?
- Keep moving within comfort — short walks are better than bed rest.
- Change position often if you sit or stand for long periods.
- Heat can ease muscle tightness around the joint.
- Pain relief: ask your pharmacist what is suitable for you.
- Gentle mobility such as knee-to-chest stretches or pelvic tilts, stopping if pain increases.
If pain is not settling after a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, or affects work or sleep, book an assessment.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What does facet joint pain feel like?
Usually an ache to one or both sides of the spine, often worse when arching backwards, twisting or standing for a long time, and stiff after rest. In the lower back it can refer into the buttock or upper thigh; in the neck it can refer to the shoulder blade or back of the head.
How is facet joint pain diagnosed?
Mainly from your history and a physical examination. Scans often show age-related changes that do not match symptoms, so they are not needed for most people. Where pain persists, specialists sometimes use a diagnostic injection to confirm the source.
Can a chiropractor help with facet joint pain?
For many people, yes. Manual therapy such as joint mobilisation or manipulation, combined with exercise and advice on movement, is a common approach to mechanical back and neck pain. We will tell you if your assessment suggests you need a different kind of care.
How long does facet joint pain last?
Flare-ups often settle within days to a few weeks. Some people have recurring episodes, especially with age-related joint changes, and do best with a regular exercise routine and early treatment when it flares.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Seek urgent medical help if back pain comes with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new bladder or bowel problems, weakness in the legs, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain that is severe at night and unaffected by position.
Ancoats Chiropractic Clinic · Unit 6, Royal Mills, 17 Redhill Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BA · 07827 139839 · info@ancoatschiropractic.co.uk