Thoracic facet syndrome

Facet joints are also known as zygapophyseal joints. They are located at the back of the spinal joints and bones called vertebrae. Facet joints guide movements of the spine and allow for stability and motion. Facet joints may become injured, irritated or inflamed. When this occurs it is called facet syndrome.

Facet syndrome can be caused by sudden trauma (such as a whiplash injury) or by repetitive trauma (such as a sport like tennis) that involves a lot of arching backwards.

Symptoms

Thoracic (mid-back or upper back) facet syndrome usually causes pain at the level of the problem in the spine (local pain). Positions that involve extension (bending backwards) and rotation such as reaching back are usually worse.

Treatment

Chiropractic treatments are useful in the treatment of thoracic facet syndrome.