facet-joint384Facet joints allow your spine to twist, flex and extend without injury. They are like hinges protecting the spine from excessive movement and trauma. Unfortunately, like all joints in the human body they are vulnerable to injury and degeneration. Some of the symptoms associated with facet joint dysfunction are:

1) localized low back pain

2) low back pain that moves into your gluts

3) pain aggravated by extending your back.

Causes of this type of injury can range from sports injuries, such as running or soccer, all the way to prolonged sitting or repetitive movements.

In acupuncture, there are a series of points that run adjacent to the spine called Hua Tuo Jia Ji points. These points are used to treat the tissues and surrounding structures of the spine. These points can be used to address the signs and symptoms of facet joint pain. Acupuncture can help decrease the pain, inflammation and local swelling seen in this situation. Please contact Glow Natural health Center if you have any questions about acupuncture and how it can help in this situation.

Author:

Dr. Derek Kirkham, DAOM, MS, EAMP, LAc is an Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Clinic Director at Glow Natural health Center.