When is physiotherapy recommended for facet joint syndrome?

Facet joints guide movement between the bones of the spine. Irritation in these joints may make standing, turning, extending the spine, or sitting uncomfortable. A physiotherapist can examine your posture, spinal movement, hip and trunk strength, and the way symptoms respond to activity. The plan may combine controlled mobility, muscle conditioning, body-mechanics advice, and pacing. The aim is to make daily movement more manageable while avoiding repeated positions that reliably flare your pain.

Have your symptoms assessed if the diagnosis is uncertain, particularly when pain began after an injury or has changed character. Share your usual sitting, lifting, driving, and sleeping positions with the therapist. Begin the recommended exercises at the agreed intensity and build gradually. Short, regular movement breaks may be more practical than one demanding session. Report pain that spreads, persists after exercise, or is accompanied by new weakness so the plan can be reconsidered.

Seek urgent medical care for back or neck pain with new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or progressive weakness in an arm or leg. Prompt assessment is also needed after major trauma, or when pain is accompanied by fever, unexplained illness, or severe night symptoms. Do not wait for a routine physiotherapy appointment if these signs occur.

How confident are we that the facet joints are the pain source? Which spinal positions should I limit temporarily? What symptoms mean I should stop an exercise? Could my work setup or lifting technique be contributing? When should we review progress if daily activities remain restricted?