Lower back pain (LBP) is relatively common among adults. As per some studies, approximately half of all adults may have some kind of back pain during the year. In about one-fifth of adults, lower back pain is chronic. According to various estimates, 15-45% of all lower back pains are facet joint pains. Since there could be so many causes of back pains, identifying the cause may be challenging [1]. Some of the most common causes of LBP are strains and sprain, degeneration of spinal joints, and inflammatory diseases like ankylosing spondylitis. Facet joint pain belongs to degenerative diseases. It is osteoarthritis of the lower back. Wear and tear in the facet joint of the spine causes local inflammation, muscle spasm, and irritation of nearby nerves. Thus, pain often radiates to the lower legs in most people.

2. Lower back pain (LBP) is relatively common among adults.
As per some studies, approximately half of all adults may
have some kind of back pain during the year. In about one-
fifth of adults, lower back pain is chronic. According to
various estimates, 15-45% of all lower back pains are facet
joint pains. Since there could be so many causes of back
pains, identifying the cause may be challenging [1].
Some of the most common causes of LBP are strains and
Some of the most common causes of LBP are strains and
sprain, degeneration of spinal joints, and inflammatory
diseases like ankylosing spondylitis. Facet joint pain
belongs to degenerative diseases. It is osteoarthritis of the
lower back. Wear and tear in the facet joint of the spine
causes local inflammation, muscle spasm, and irritation of
nearby nerves. Thus, pain often radiates to the lower legs
in most people.

3. Facet joint pain
It is a pain that emerges from a facet joint. Usually, degenerative
changes in the joint result in local inflammation. It is a wear and
tear disease and thus more common among middle-aged and
older adults. It can be compared to osteoarthritis of the knee. A
condition that makes movement difficult, and pain increases while
moving.

4. As the condition gets worse, inflammation may spread to the
surrounding soft tissues. As a result, it causes spasms of
surrounding muscles, further limiting the range of motion.
Additionally, it may also irritate the sensory nerve of these
joints, a medial branch of the sensory nerve. Irritation of this
sensory nerve explains why the pain radiates in many cases
(see Figure 2) [1].
In facet joint pain, the condition is made worse by physical
In facet joint pain, the condition is made worse by physical
exertion, prolonged standing, and sitting. Since there is
inflammation, resting would not relieve pain. However, one
would feel that the pain is higher in specific postures and
reduced in others. Usually, leaning backward would increase
stress on the joint and thus causing tremendous pain. On the
other hand, leaning forward would relieve the pressure on the
facet joint, thus bringing some relief [2, 3].

5. Diagnosis of facet joint pain
One can diagnose the condition based on the symptoms. Location of the
pain, made worse by standing in specific postures and relieved on bending
forward, may indicate the condition. Since there is local inflammation, pain
may occur on applying pressure at specific parts of the spine. However, the
disease is best diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, as there are
numerous causes of LBP.
Generally, a doctor would ask for imaging using an x-ray or MRI. However,
MRI is preferred these days as it is more sensitive. As in the early stages of
MRI is preferred these days as it is more sensitive. As in the early stages of
spinal diseases, changes are not visible in the x-ray.
A doctor would also carry out lab tests to exclude other conditions like
rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondylitis, and so on.
Unlike other causes of back pain, doctors often use the so-called facet joint
injection to confirm the diagnosis. It is a procedure in which corticosteroids
or anesthetics are injected into the facet joint. This would provide significant
relief within 20-30 minutes. Such a kind of quick pain relief will not occur in
other common inflammatory back conditions.

6. Treatment options for facet joint pain
In most back pains, and not just in facet joint pain, a person may
benefit significantly by altering the lifestyle, improving posture,
reducing stress on the spine. It may mean changing the way a person
sits, altering sleeping habits. In addition, losing body weight can help
as it is a disease of wear and tear.
In most back pains, physical therapy may help. Generally, a specialist
would advise on certain types of exercises. Stretching exercises may
would advise on certain types of exercises. Stretching exercises may
help relieve pain. Strengthening of back muscles may help prevent
future episodes of pain.
In milder painful episodes, one may use over-the-counter pain killers.
For example, ibuprofen would generally be more effective than
acetaminophen. In more severe cases, doctors would prescribe non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with muscle relaxants.

7. Pain Relief ASAP