Agility Physiotherapy &
Exercise Physiology
Treatment of Facet Joint Low Back Pain
What is facet joint low back pain?
Facet joint low back pain is a degenerative syndrome that typically occurs secondary to age, obesity, poor body mechanics, repetitive overuse and microtrauma. A number of studies have linked facet joint degeneration to degeneration of intervertebral discs, showing that intervertebral disc degeneration likely can lead to facet joint low back pain.
What else can facet joint low back pain be called?
Facet joint low back pain may also be referred to as lumbar zygapophyseal joint back pain, facet joint degenerative back pain, facet joint arthropathy back pain, facet joint arthrosis back pain, lumbar facet-mediated pain.
What are the best treatments for facet joint low back pain?
Physiotherapy is the cornerstone in the treatment of facet joint low back pain and should include education and advice, joint techniques, McKenzie Method, graded exposure and exercises tailored to strengthen the core muscles. Pain medications can include simple analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What treatments does Agility Physio & Ex Phys use for facet joint low back pain?
The treatment of facet joint low back pain at Agility Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology Penrith is evidence based, in line with guideline based care and multi-modal. This means we use techniques that are proven to work against the impairments that are individually related to facet joint low back pain. We use passive and active interventions to manage pain, joint stiffness, muscle tightness and weakness and these can include joint manipulation, joint mobilisations, soft tissue work and strengthening exercises.