thoracic Facet sprain

The thoracic spine is located between the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (low back). It consists of 12 separate vertebrae which are named from the top to the bottom as T1 to T12. The mobility in this region is restricted because of the presence of the rigid rib cage which houses and protects our internal organs such as the heart and lungs.

Two facet or zygaopophyseal joints are located at the back of each vertebra and are the bony links between the vertebra above and below by means of a superior articular and inferior articular process.

The facet joints are termed synovial joints with hyaline cartilage, synovial lining and a joint capsule containing synovial fluid. The joint capsule wraps around the facet joints providing additional support. The facet joints are richly innervated by both pain and pressure receptors and therefore if a facet joint is injured, it can become very painful.

Any movement of the spine which excessively stretch or compress the facet joints can injure this structure resulting in a facet sprain or a facet syndrome. These symptoms may come on whilst performing activities such as bending. lifting or twisting. Alternatively, the symptoms may be felt more the day after.

Symptoms arising from this condition can be very varied due to the compensatory muscle spasm and joint locking that can can take place. In adddition, the patient may have referred pain away from the site of injury such as into the neck, arms, ribs and chest.

Facet sprain treatment

Following a diagnosis of a facet sprain, your chiropractor will initiate treatment which will consist of some joint mobilisation, manipulation and soft tissue work. In addition, specific patient tailored exercises along with ergonomic advice will also be given to prevent this injury recurring.

More invasive forms of treatment for this complaint include intraarticular facet injections and facet denervation although due to the anatomical constrainsts in the thoracic spine, these types of treatment are rare.