Spine, Back & Neck
Facet Joint Syndrome
Pain arising from the small paired joints at the back of the spine.
Also called: Cervical facet syndrome, Lumbar facet syndrome, Facet irritation.
Facet-related pain is often described as local and one-sided, worse with extension or rotation, and easier with flexion. It can refer into the buttock or into the shoulder blade depending on the level involved.
Because the pattern can mimic other sources of spinal pain, careful movement testing is usually needed to confirm the facet joints are the primary contributor.
Why this matters
Looking up, backing out of a driveway, standing for long periods and rolling in bed are the movements people tend to notice.
These small, repeated irritations can add up over weeks, which is often why people wait to seek care until the pattern has become familiar and frustrating.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Facet joints are rich in position sensors. Restriction there changes both movement and the information the brain receives about it.
The exam looks at how each spinal segment moves relative to its neighbours, since restriction at the facet joints often shows up as a broader change in regional movement.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.