Facet Joint Pain

What is Lower Back Facet Joint Pain?

Lower back facet joint pain is a condition affecting the facet joints in the lumbar spine (lower back).

The spine consists of 33 vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and allow flexibility. Each vertebra also connects with neighbouring vertebrae through facet joints, which guide and control spinal movements such as bending and twisting.

When these facet joints become irritated, inflamed, or damaged, they can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Facet joints play an important role in maintaining:

• Spinal stability
• Smooth movement between vertebrae
• Protection of spinal nerves

Damage or degeneration of these joints can significantly affect everyday movements.

How Does Lower Back Facet Joint Pain Happen?

Facet joint pain commonly develops due to wear and tear of the joints over time.

This degeneration is known as spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis.

Common causes include:

• Age-related degeneration of the spine
• Previous back injuries
• Repetitive strain on the lower back
• Poor posture over time
• Heavy lifting or manual work
• Reduced spinal flexibility

When facet joints become damaged, the body may try to repair the area by forming osteophytes (bone spurs).

These bony growths can cause:

• Reduced spinal mobility
• Increased stiffness
• Irritation of nearby spinal nerves

When nerves are affected, additional symptoms may occur in the buttocks or legs.

What Are the Symptoms of Lower Back Facet Joint Pain?

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the joint irritation.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Stiffness in the lumbar spine
• Increased stiffness in the morning
• Difficulty bending or twisting
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
• Reduced spinal mobility
• Muscle spasms in the lower back
• Delayed ability to resume daily activities due to stiffness

If nearby nerves become irritated by bone spurs, additional symptoms may occur:

• Pins and needles
• Numbness
• Weakness in the buttocks or legs

What Should I Do If I Have Lower Back Facet Joint Pain?

If you experience persistent lower back pain or stiffness, it is important to seek medical assessment.

A healthcare professional may recommend:

• Physical examination of the spine
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans
• Pain management medication
• Physiotherapy treatment

Starting physiotherapy early can help reduce pain and prevent the condition from worsening.

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, physiotherapists assess spinal conditions and design personalised rehabilitation programmes to restore movement and reduce pain.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Lower Back Facet Joint Pain

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for managing facet joint pain.

A structured rehabilitation programme at ACE Physio Sports – Singapore focuses on improving spinal mobility, strengthening supporting muscles, and correcting movement patterns.

Treatment may include:

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching exercises help maintain flexibility in the lower back and surrounding muscles.

Core Stability Exercises

Strengthening the deep abdominal and spinal muscles improves spinal stability and reduces pressure on the facet joints.

Joint Mobilisation

Manual therapy techniques may be used to improve movement in the lumbar spine and reduce stiffness.

Massage Therapy

Soft tissue massage can relieve muscle tension and reduce pain in the lower back.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy may help relax muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area.

Electrotherapy

Modalities such as TENS or ultrasound therapy may be used to reduce pain and support tissue healing.

Postural Correction

Physiotherapists provide guidance on improving posture during sitting, standing, and daily activities.

Ergonomic Advice

Advice may include:

• Correct workstation setup
• Safe lifting techniques
• Proper sitting and standing posture

Home Exercise Programme

Patients receive a personalised exercise programme to continue rehabilitation outside physiotherapy sessions.

These treatments help:

• Reduce lower back pain
• Improve spinal flexibility
• Strengthen supportive muscles
• Prevent recurrence of symptoms

What Should I Avoid With Lower Back Facet Joint Pain?

Certain activities can worsen lower back facet joint irritation.

Avoid:

• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Poor sitting posture
• Heavy lifting
• Repetitive bending or twisting movements
• Sudden high-impact activities
• Ignoring persistent lower back pain

Modifying activities and following physiotherapy guidance helps promote recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

If lower back facet joint pain is left untreated, the condition may gradually worsen.

Possible long-term complications include:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Reduced spinal mobility
• Persistent muscle stiffness
• Reduced ability to perform daily activities

Early physiotherapy treatment significantly improves recovery and helps prevent long-term spinal problems.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

ACE Physio Sports – Singapore provides specialised physiotherapy for back pain, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Our physiotherapists design individualised rehabilitation programmes to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve long-term spinal health.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced physiotherapists
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
• Sports and musculoskeletal specialists
• Modern physiotherapy facilities

Our East Coast Road clinic serves patients from nearby areas including:

• Marine Parade
• Katong
• Joo Chiat
• Siglap
• Bedok
• Telok Kurau

We help patients return safely to daily activities, work, and sports.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.