Ouch! My Aching Back – Part 2

By Dr. Virginia Nsitem
Pride Health Columnist

Low back joint irritation, also called facet joint irritation, is a common cause of recurring low back pain.

Anatomy of the low back

The vertebrae (spinal bones) are joined to one another by facet joints. Each spinal bone has 4 facet joints – two on top (one each on the left and right side) of the spinal bone, and two on the bottom (one each on the left and right side) of the spinal bone. The facet joints allow the spinal bones to join the bone above and the bone below. The facet joints are surrounded by fluid and cartilage that allow them to glide smoothly on one another. This gives us smooth movement when we bend forward, bend sideways, arch the back, and twist from side to side.

What is facet irritation?

The facet joints can become irritated and inflamed from excessive movements, trauma, or from arthritis. 

Common symptoms of facet joint irritation include:

• Pain on one side of the back
• Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Difficulty bending to the side or arching the back
• Pain that radiates down to the buttock, to the groin, and down the  leg
• Tenderness over the spine 

What can be done?

The first step is to get a proper diagnosis by your chiropractor or physician. Treatment for facet joint injuries may include using modalities such as Laser to reduce pain and inflammation, soft tissue techniques, chiropractic treatments, stretching and strengthening exercises of the back and abdomen, and education on proper posture. It is important to address the pain from irritated facet joints, as it may recur and become chronic if not treated.

Dr. Virginia Nsitem is a chiropractor specializing in laser therapy for muscle, joint and nerve injuries, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences in Canada. She may be reached at (905) 275-4993, or by email at totalhealth@bellnet.ca.