Low Back Pain - Lumbar Facet Joint Injury

Symptoms associated with low back pain as a result of facet joint irritation vary greatly.

SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

• Low back pain that is sharp, shooting, stabbing, dull or achey
• Pain that is referred into your gluteals or thigh
• Low back pain that is aggravated by bending, extending or twisting
• Low back muscle spasm

SHORT TERM

DIAGNOSE

Diagnosis is a vital part of managing any injury. Not only is it important to determine which structures are responsible for our symptoms, but why they have become symptomatic. Addressing the ‘why’ will ensure adequate recovery and prevention of future injury.

EDUCATION

It is important that you have an understanding of your diagnosis, and what strategies are important for acute management, and reduction of future injury risk

MOTOR CONTROL

As a contributor to low back pain is often deficits in strength, endurance, stability, patterns of muscle activation etc., these need to be accurately assessed and improved

MANUAL THERAPIES

Manual therapies include: Soft tissue techniques, dry needling, joint mobilisation / manipulation etc.; these may be used to assist with symptoms

MODIFICATION OF ACTIVITY

You will often be advised to modify provocative activities to allow tissue recovery

LONG TERM

STRENGTHENING

Strengthening is a vital part of management for low back pain; this often involves progressions into a gym environment to ensure we are appropriately challenging tissues to strengthen, and improving their tolerance to daily living

REFERRAL

As with any injury, sometimes referral to other professionals is required in the management of low back pain. This may include referral for imaging, referral to your GP, or referral pain specialists or orthopaedic surgeons