Spinal joint dysfunction

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, often referred to as a joint being "out of place", a condition where one or more of your spinal joint's movement is un-coordinated with its surrounding tissue structures that may be associated with joint misalignment, can lead to spinal joint pain. 

Spinal joint pain can be experienced as burning, 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.  

Usually a result of poor local and/or global spinal mechanical function, spinal joint dysfunction involves several tissues including bone, cartilage, ligament, tendon and muscle. Abnormal blood and lymphatic flow and nerve dysfunction is also associated with spinal joint 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 helping restore or improve:

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