Does physiotherapy treat facet joint syndrome?

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that guide movement. Irritation in these joints can cause local neck or back pain and stiffness, sometimes with discomfort spreading into nearby areas. A physiotherapist assesses which positions and tasks aggravate symptoms rather than relying on a scan alone.

Treatment may include gentle mobility work, exercises for the abdomen, back, hips or shoulder girdle, posture and lifting advice, and a gradual return to activity. Hands-on treatment or heat may provide temporary relief while you build longer-term movement confidence and strength.

Keep moving in comfortable ways and change position during long sitting or standing. Follow the prescribed exercises consistently, increasing load or range only as advised. Note which activities trigger a flare and discuss alternatives instead of stopping all activity. A clinician can review pain relief or other options if progress stalls.

Seek urgent care for new bladder or bowel changes, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening weakness or severe pain after trauma. Prompt assessment is needed for fever, unexplained weight loss or pain that is constant and increasingly severe.

Ask which spinal movements to practise, how to adapt sitting or lifting, whether leg or arm symptoms need further assessment and what review is appropriate if pain or function does not improve.