Everything You Need to Know About A Facet Joint Sprain
What is a Facet Joint Sprain?
A facet joint sprain is when one of the small joints at the back of your spine gets stretched or irritated. These joints help your spine bend, twist, and stay stable. If you move the wrong way, lift something heavy, or have poor posture, the joint can get overstretched, causing pain and inflammation. It’s a common cause of neck or back pain, especially when moving or leaning backwards.
An analogy…
Think of a facet joint like a door hinge.
- The spine is the door.
- The facet joints are the hinges that guide and control how smoothly the door opens and closes.
If you yank the door too hard or if the hinges are worn out, the hinge might get strained or loosened, it still works, but now it squeaks or catches. That’s similar to a sprained facet joint: it’s not broken, but it’s irritated and not moving smoothly, which causes pain.
What are other names that a facet joint sprain can be referred to?
Neck Sprain, Sprained Neck, Apophyseal Joint Sprain, Apophyseal Wry Neck, Zygaphophyseal Joint Sprain, Sprained Facet Joint
What causes a facet joint sprain?
A facet joint sprain happens when the ligaments that support the small joints in your spine get overstretched or slightly torn. This can occur when you twist, bend, or lift in a way that pushes your spine beyond its natural range. Over time, repetitive movements or poor posture can weaken these ligaments, making them more vulnerable to injury when a sudden force or awkward movement happens. bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
What are the signs and symptoms of a facet joint sprain?
- Localized pain, usually on one side of the neck or lower back
- Sharp or aching pain
- Stiffness
- Muscle tightness or spasm
- Pain with pressure
- Pain that improves with movement
What tests are used to diagnose a facet joint sprain?
Facet Joint Loading Test: The practitioner gently extends and rotates your spine (usually neck or lower back) to compress the facet joints. If this reproduces your pain, it may indicate a facet sprain.
Kemp’s Test: Commonly used for the lower back. You lean backwards, to the side, and twist, loading the facet joint. Pain during this movement suggests possible facet joint irritation.
How long does a facet joint sprain take to heal?
Recovery from a facet joint sprain varies, but with proper treatment, pain may ease within a few days to 2–3 weeks. However, the injured tissue takes around six weeks to regain most of its strength, so it’s important to return to activity gradually and with care during this time.
How does a facet joint sprain happen?
- Sudden twisting or bending
- Overextending the spine
- Poor posture
- Repetitive movements such as bending, lifting, or twisting
- Heavy lifting with bad technique
- Weak core and back muscles
- Stiff or tight muscles
What treatment can help a facet joint sprain?
- Soft tissue massage
- Heat or ice therapy
- Joint mobilisation
- Postural correction
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Education and reassurance
What happens if the facet joint sprain doesn’t get better with treatment?
In some cases, even with proper treatment, a small number of people with a facet joint sprain don’t fully recover. They may need further tests like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, medication, injections, or a referral to a specialist for other treatment options.
What exercises or stretches can I do for a facet joint sprain?
- Cat-Cow Stretch
- Chin Tucks
- Shoulder Blade Squeezes (Scapular Retractions)
What products can help with a facet joint sprain?
Knees to chest
Lie on your back with your knees bent and hands behind your head.
Bring your knees toward your chest, and pull your knees and hips up towards you, using the effort in the core muscles.
Your lower back should curl up.
Control the movement as you lower the legs back down.
Posterior pelvic tilt against wall
Stand up straight with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder width apart.
Tighten your buttock and abdominal muscles, flattening your lower back against the wall.
Make sure that your shoulders relaxed whilst you hold this position.
Relax and then repeat.
Pelvic tilts
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Pull your bellybutton towards your spine and clench your buttock muscles to roll the tail bone up off the floor.
The majority of the effort should come from your abdominal and buttock muscles.
Your lower back should press firmly into the floor.
Relax and repeat.
