What Is a Facet Joint?
Facet Joint is a small synovial joint between the back portions of neighboring vertebrae. Facet joints connect the vertebrae, guide spinal movement, and help limit excessive motion. Each joint has cartilage and a surrounding capsule. These structures can contribute to localized neck or back discomfort when irritated or stressed.
Quick Facts About Facet Joint
Category
Spinal synovial joint
Used for
Guiding spinal movement
Common confusion
Often confused with an intervertebral disc
Also called
Zygapophyseal joint, Z-joint
Often discussed with
Manual Therapy
Key Takeaways About Facet Joint
- Facet joints sit between neighboring vertebrae.
- Their surfaces guide bending and rotation.
- Facet joints are not spinal discs.
How Facet Joint Works
A facet joint links the back parts of neighboring vertebrae. Its smooth cartilage surfaces help the bones move against each other, while a capsule surrounds the joint and contains lubricating fluid. These parts work with the spinal discs, muscles, and ligaments to guide motion.
Related glossary terms: Vertebra, Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine.
Facet joints help control bending, extension, and rotation in the spine. Their direction differs between spinal regions, so neck, mid-back, and lower-back joints support different movement patterns. A vertebra forms the bony framework around each joint. Irritation in a facet joint may produce pain close to the spine and may limit comfortable movement.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany team
When we assess a facet joint, we consider the location of symptoms, spinal movement, and nearby muscle tension. Our team uses hands-on examination findings to guide Manual Therapy, with pressure and movement adjusted to the person’s response.
Facet Joint in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with stiffness in the lower back may feel discomfort during backward bending or rotation. During Manual Therapy, we may assess the nearby facet joints and address related soft-tissue tension with controlled hands-on techniques.
Related Services
Related Terms
Vertebra
A vertebra is one individual bone in the spinal column. Vertebrae connect with neighboring bones through…
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the back, positioned between the thoracic spine and…
Cervical Spine
The cervical spine is the neck section of the spinal column, located between the skull and…
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is a manual therapy technique that uses controlled, repeated movements to influence how a…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany
Have Questions About Facet Joint?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractic - Albany for practical guidance on Facet Joint and related chiropractor work in Albany.