Quick Summary
Local lower back pain is sometimes attributed to the facet joints. Symptoms overlap with other back problems, so a careful assessment is more useful than assuming a diagnosis from one painful movement. We help you work towards comfortable daily activity.
Understanding Lumbar Facet Joint Pain
Facet joints connect the spinal bones at the back of the spine and allow controlled movement. They may contribute to pain, but “facet joint syndrome” is not reliably confirmed by posture or a single test. Age-related changes on a scan may also occur without symptoms.
How we assess your symptoms
We assess the history, movement and functional limitations, and screen nerve signs when relevant. Initial management often follows an active low-back-pain approach. Persistent symptoms may prompt GP or specialist review; diagnostic procedures are considered only in an appropriate medical pathway.
Image: BruceBlaus / Blausen Medical — Facet Joints · CC BY 3.0. Adapted and annotated.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Localised lower back discomfort, sometimes extending into the buttock or thigh.
- Pain with certain positions or movements, including standing or turning.
- Stiffness or associated muscle guarding; these features are not unique to facet pain.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
Joint changes, loading and previous injury may be relevant. Similar symptoms can arise from muscles, discs or other conditions. Leg numbness, weakness or more widespread symptoms need consideration of nerve or other causes rather than being labelled a facet problem.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle manual therapy may support short-term comfort alongside exercise. We do not claim to unlock a specific facet or correct spinal alignment permanently. Continued use depends on whether it helps your agreed goals.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for lumbar facet joint pain. Your assessment will guide appropriate rehabilitation, symptom management and whether medical or specialist review is needed. We will explain why each proposed treatment fits your symptoms before you decide whether to proceed.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We tailor mobility, strength and general activity to tolerance, gradually practising tasks such as standing, lifting or walking. Avoiding every uncomfortable movement indefinitely is not the aim; progression is guided by symptoms and function.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
Can a scan prove the facet joints are causing pain?
Not by itself. Imaging shows structure, but symptoms and examination provide the context. Specialist assessment may be needed if a particular procedure is being considered.
Do I need an injection?
Not as a routine first step. Rehabilitation and self-management are usually considered first. A specialist can discuss whether any diagnostic or interventional procedure is appropriate if symptoms remain troublesome.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice. For assessed muscle tension, Soft Tissue Therapy with Brigitte may complement your exercise plan. New weakness or nerve symptoms should be assessed before massage.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Non-specific low back pain · Degenerative disc changes
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.