If you’re experiencing back pain, it could be due to facet joint syndrome. This condition affects the small joints in your spine that connect vertebrae together. When the cartilage between these joints wears down, it can cause inflammation and stiffness, leading to discomfort and limited mobility. While there are several causes of facet joint syndrome, pinpointing the exact trigger can be tricky. In this blog post, we’ll explore insights from physiotherapists and chiropractors on what triggers facet joint syndrome.
Poor posture
One of the most common triggers of facet joint syndrome is poor posture. When you slouch or hunch forward for extended periods, it puts pressure on your spine and can lead to wear and tear on the facet joints. According to physiotherapists, maintaining proper posture during daily activities such as sitting at a desk or lifting heavy objects can help prevent facet joint syndrome.
Repetitive motions
Facet joint syndrome can also be triggered by repetitive motions such as bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects improperly. These movements put stress on your spine and can cause damage to the cartilage between your facet joints over time. Physiotherapists recommend using proper technique when performing physical activities to avoid straining your back.
Degenerative changes
As we age, the cartilage between our facet joints naturally wears down, which puts us at risk for developing facet joint syndrome. Additionally, conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease can accelerate this process by causing further damage to the joints and surrounding tissues. If you’re experiencing chronic back pain as you get older, it’s important to seek medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor who can assess whether degenerative changes may be contributing to your symptoms.
Trauma
In some cases, trauma such as a car accident or fall can cause facet joint syndrome. The force of impact can damage the cartilage between your facet joints and lead to inflammation and pain. Chiropractors specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries caused by trauma, so if you’ve recently been in an accident or experienced a fall, it’s important to seek medical attention from a chiropractor who can address any underlying issues.
Lifestyle factors
Finally, lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity can also contribute to facet joint syndrome. Smoking reduces blood flow to the tissues that support your spine, which can make them more susceptible to damage. Obesity puts extra stress on your spine and can accelerate wear and tear on your facet joints over time. Physiotherapists and chiropractors often recommend making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight to help prevent back pain.
Facet joint syndrome is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of triggers, including poor posture, repetitive motions, degenerative changes, trauma, and lifestyle factors. By understanding these triggers, you can take steps to prevent back pain and protect your spine from damage. If you’re experiencing chronic back pain or suspect you may have facet joint syndrome, it’s important to seek medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor who can help diagnose the issue and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Laura Rashty, BSc, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
