Facet Joint Sprain

What causes Facet Joint Sprain?

Facet Joints are found in the back which help support the weight and control the movement between the individual vertebrae of the spine. Facet Joint sprain occurs when the connective tissue or cartilage surrounding the joint becomes damage or tears when a excessive force is placed on the facet joint. The most common cause of facet joint sprain is overuse injury and it usually seen in patients who perform excessive amounts of bending, lifting and twisting movements seen in sports such as gymnastics and pole dancing. Facet joint sprain however can also occur due to impact or pressure to the spine causing damage to happen suddenly. This injury is also common in patients who have a poor posture over a period of time for example sitting at your office chair without effective back support.

Facet Joint Sprain Symptoms

When a patients sustains facet joint sprain they are likely to feel a pain in the back and spine which becomes more apparent over time as activity is resumed and the back is put under more strain. In the case of sudden impact, the pain may come on suddenly at the point of injury. Patients are also likely to feel pain and stiffness in the facet joint even after activity is halted which will become more apparent first thing in the morning. In more severe cases, individuals may also feel pain in the rib cage, chest and shoulder blade.

Facet Joint Strain Diagnosis

In order to diagnose facet joint sprain, a doctor or physiotherapist will give an examination of the area and often an X-ray or MRI scan will be undergone in order to confirm the diagnosis and also to rule out any further complications.

Facet Joint Sprain Treatment

In order to treat facet joint sprain, rest is crucial in order to allow the injury time to heal and to prevent any further activity which could cause damage or discomfort to the injury. Applying ice to the injury is an important aspect of healing as it will reduce any swelling and inflammation as well as providing cooling pain relief to the injury. Using the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) is beneficial for the first 72 hours of the injury occurring as it will reduce swelling to the area and by keeping the injury elevated blood flow is restricted which can prevent further inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications can also be taken in order to reduce swelling as well as relieving pain or achiness from the injury. When the injury has begun healing and you are advised by a physiotherapist or doctor, it is important for the patient to undergo a rehabilitation program such as strengthening and stretching exercises which will keep the area strong and make it easier to return to sports once the injury has fully recovered. These exercises should not be carried out if the patient feels pain in the area and the advice of a physiotherapist should always be sought in order to obtain an exercise regime suitable for the individual. If the injury has occurred as a result of poor posture or is a reoccurring injury, the patient may find it beneficial to re-evaluate their back posture as well as their technique if sustained whilst lifting and bending. This may put a stop to any bad habits which have caused the injury in the first place and prevent it from happening in the future. The patient may also choose to use a postural brace to correct any poor posture issues. See our full range of Back Braces and Back Supports See also our Hot and Cold Gel Packs or Cryotherapy for Backs