Condition · Watkinsville & Athens, GA
Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joint syndrome is pain from the small paired joints at the back of the spine, typically worse with extension and twisting and often eased by bending forward.
Facet joints guide and limit spinal movement. When they become irritated or restricted, they produce localised pain that can refer into the buttock, thigh, shoulder blade or head depending on the level involved.
Because these joints respond well to restored movement, chiropractic care is often effective. We combine adjusting with soft-tissue work for the guarding muscles around the joint, then address the postures and movement patterns that keep loading it.
Who this care is usually appropriate for
- Pain worse leaning backward or twisting
- Localised pain beside the spine
- Stiffness after rest that eases with movement
- Referred pain without nerve symptoms
Important considerations & when not to proceed
- Nerve symptoms, weakness or numbness point elsewhere and are investigated separately.
- Inflammatory joint disease and instability require different management.
This page is general education, not medical advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
What happens at your visit
- 1History and pain provocation testing
- 2Segment-by-segment joint assessment
- 3Adjusting plus soft-tissue treatment
- 4Movement retraining and load advice
Frequently asked questions
How is facet pain different from disc pain?
Facet pain typically worsens with extension and twisting and stays closer to the spine. Disc pain often worsens with sitting and bending forward and may radiate into a limb.
How quickly does it respond?
Many patients notice change within the first few visits, though maintaining it depends on addressing the loading pattern behind it.
Talk to our team
New patients: call the office or send a request and we will confirm your appointment directly.
Our office
Chiropractic Works
1050 Barber Creek Drive
Building 200
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Office hours
We are open Monday – Friday, including some evening hours.
- Monday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Tuesday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Wednesday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Thursday
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
New Patient, Neurofeedback and Decompression appointment times may vary.
Related pages
Back Pain
Back pain has many causes, so care starts with an examination that identifies which joints, discs, muscles or movement patterns are involved — then a conservative plan aimed at that cause rather than the symptom alone.
Learn more →Neck Pain
Neck pain is often a combination of joint restriction, muscle tension and sustained posture; care addresses all three rather than only the sore spot.
Learn more →Osteoarthritis & Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative change in joints and discs is common with age and does not have to mean ongoing pain; care focuses on keeping joints moving, managing load and maintaining strength.
Learn more →Request an appointment
Ready to get started?
Tell us what is going on and we will help you choose the right first appointment.
New patients: please call the office or send a request — we will confirm your appointment with you directly.