LUMBAR FACET SPRAIN
The lumbar spine (low back) consists of 5 separate vertebrae which are named from the top to the bottom as L1 to C5. Two facet, or zygaopophyseal, joints are located at the back of each vertebra and are the bony links between the vertebra above and below by means of a superior articular and inferior articular process.
The facet joints are termed synovial joints as they contain hyaline cartilage, synovial lining and a joint capsule containing synovial fluid. The joint capsule wraps around the facet joints, providing additional support. The facet joints are richly innervated by both pain and pressure receptors and therefore if a facet joint is injured, it can become very painful.
Any movement of the low back which excessively stretches or compresses the facet joints can injure these structures, resulting in a facet sprain or a facet syndrome. These symptoms may arise secondary to trauma, such as lifting or slipping, or may gradually be felt following no defining incident and relate more to postural stress or faulty movement.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms arising from this condition can be very varied due to the compensatory muscle spasm and joint locking that can take place. In addition, the patient may have referred pain away from the site of injury, such as into the sacroiliac joint, buttock, groin and upper thigh.
(The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered a replacement for a full medical examination. Furthermore, we do not purport to treat all the conditions listed. Should you wish to discuss any of these conditions with our chiropractors, please do not hesitate to phone the clinic on 020 7374 2272 or email enquiries@body-motion.co.uk).
Our team of chiropractors and massage therapists are on hand to answer any questions you may have, so get in touch today via enquiries@body-motion.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7374 2272.