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 motion, help limit excessive movement, and contain nerves that can contribute to neck pain when irritated. Each joint includes cartilage and a capsule that support smooth movement between vertebrae.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal joint
Used for
Guiding neck and back motion
Common confusion
Often confused with an intervertebral disc
Also called
Zygapophyseal joint, Z-joint
Often discussed with
Neck Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit behind the vertebral bodies.
- Their surfaces guide bending and rotation.
- They are not the same as spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
Facet joint surfaces meet between neighboring vertebrae and guide the direction of spinal movement. Smooth cartilage covers the contacting surfaces, while a surrounding capsule helps hold the joint together. Small nerves around the capsule can sense movement and irritation.
Related glossary terms: Cervical Spine, Intervertebral Disc, Joint Restriction.
In the neck, facet joints help control bending, turning, and extension. A clinician considers the location and pattern of neck pain, along with movement and tenderness, when assessing whether these joints may contribute to symptoms. The cervical spine contains these joints from the upper neck through the lower neck, so the affected area can influence the examination.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Hinesville team
When we assess a facet joint during neck pain treatment, we review the person’s symptoms, posture, and neck movement together. We also check whether specific movements reproduce discomfort and consider other possible sources, such as nearby muscles or discs. These findings help guide a focused care plan.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with neck pain may notice more discomfort when turning the head or looking upward. During an evaluation at Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Hinesville, the clinician may examine neck movement and nearby tissues to determine whether a facet joint is involved.
Related Services
Related Terms
Cervical Spine
Cervical Spine is the neck section of the vertebral column. It consists of vertebrae, joints, discs…
Intervertebral Disc
Intervertebral Disc is a flexible cushion between neighboring vertebrae in the spine. Each disc has a…
Joint Restriction
A joint restriction is a reduced ability of a joint to move through its normal range…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is a pain signal felt in an area away from its source. The source…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Hinesville
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