Spinal (facet) joints are complicated mechanical structures in the spine, with complex anatomy, mechanical performance and effects on overall spine behavior and health. They help transfer and limit loads applied to the spine, and provide mechanical stability and overall mobility of the spine.

Spinal joint dysfunction (SJD), often referred to as a joint being "out of place", is a condition where one or more of your spinal joint's movement is un-coordinated with its surroundings that may be associated with joint misalignment and spinal joint pain. 

Pain associated with SJD may be experienced as burning, tearing, ripping, stabbing, sharp shooting, aching, or gnawing in character. The intensity of the pain does not always indicate the seriousness of the problem. Mild pain can arise from a serious cause and severe pain can arise from a relatively minor mechanical problem.  

Spinal joint dysfunction involves several tissues including bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon and muscle as well as abnormal blood and lymphatic flow and nerve dysfunction.

Detailed clinical biomechanical assessment is used to diagnose the nature of the dysfunction and indicates the most appropriate treatment. Often several Osteopathic techniques are applied to ease inflammation and/or pain by:

• restoring joint stability, range of movement, alignment, nutrition and lubrication of the joint;
• restoring soft tissue flexibility and strength;
• improving blood and lymphatic flow into and out of the joint and surrounding tissues;
• improving nerve function;
• remodelling tissue architecture;
• and stimulating tissue regeneration.

To achieve long term resolution it is important to identify and manage underlying causative and maintaining factors.