Posterior Facet Syndrome

Posterior facet syndrome is pain coming from the small joints at the back of the spine. You feel it as a dull ache that’s worse with leaning back, twisting, or holding any one position too long. It’s common in older adults and in anyone with previous back injuries. Manual therapy to mobilize the facet joints, plus core strengthening, usually settles it down within a few sessions.

What Posterior Facet Syndrome feels like

• Back pain, with or without tenderness, which can radiate from the back down to the buttocks and into the thighs
• Back pain just to one side of the spine
• Irritation of the nerve roots, which emerge from the spinal cord at the level of the problem, causing pain to refer to the buttock, groin or hamstring region
• Pain and tenderness radiating from the back down into the thighs
• Pain can also extend up into the neck region

Common causes of Posterior Facet Syndrome

• Aging
• Scoliosis and joint instability

How we treat Posterior Facet Syndrome at Physio Wellness

There is no single fix for posterior facet syndrome — recovery comes from combining the right treatments for your specific situation. Your physiotherapist will assess your case in detail and recommend a plan from these proven approaches:

• Physiotherapy — Hands-on assessment and a custom exercise plan to address the root cause, not just the pain. Learn more
• Chiropractic care — Spinal manipulation and joint adjustments to restore proper mechanics. Learn more
• Spinal Decompression — Computer-controlled spinal traction to take pressure off discs and nerves. Learn more

When to come in

Book a consultation if your symptoms have lasted more than a week, are getting worse, or are interfering with sleep, work, or daily activities. We offer same-week appointments and direct bill most insurers.