Facet joint pain and dysfunction — non-surgical support with spinal decompression
What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet Joint Syndrome is one of the most common causes of spinal pain.
Facet joints are small joints located at the back of each vertebra. They guide movement and stabilise the spine. Over time, these joints can become inflamed, arthritic or overloaded, leading to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Facet pain can occur in the:
Neck (cervical) spine- Lower back (lumbar) spine
- Middle back (thoracic) spine
It often develops gradually but can also be aggravated by sudden injury, repetitive strain or poor posture.
Symptoms of Radiculopathy
Symptoms vary depending on which nerve is affected, but may include:
Pain
-
Sharp, burning or electric pain - Pain travelling down an arm or leg
- Pain worsened by sitting, bending or certain movements
Sensory Changes
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in the arm, hand, leg or foot
- Reduced sensation
Motor Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced grip strength
- Difficulty lifting the foot (foot drop in severe cases)
- Loss of endurance
Reflex Changes
- Reduced or absent reflexes (identified during examination)
Symptoms may be constant or intermittent and often worsen with sustained postures such as sitting or driving.
What Causes Nerve Compression?
The most common causes include:
Disc Herniation
Disc material presses directly on the nerve root.
Bulging Disc
The disc protrudes outward, narrowing nerve space.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc thinning reduces room for nerves.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina.
Facet Joint Arthritis
Joint enlargement reduces nerve exit space.
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral slippage compresses the nerve.
Postural Compression
Prolonged sitting or poor posture increases nerve load.
Cervical vs Lumbar Radiculopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy
- Neck-related
- Arm or hand symptoms
- Shoulder pain
- Weak grip or arm
- Headaches possible
Lumbar Radiculopathy
- Lower-back related
- Leg or foot symptoms
- Buttock pain
- Weak leg or foot
- Sciatica common
How Spinal Decompression May Help Radiculopathy
Spinal decompression therapy addresses the mechanical cause of nerve compression.
What does the research suggest?
Clinical research examining non-surgical spinal decompression has explored its potential role in managing radiculopathy caused by disc-related nerve compression.
Findings from published studies and case reports (including Arumugam et al., Carmona et al., Di Modica et al., and Kasimovich et al.) suggest that spinal decompression may be associated with:
- Increased space around nerve roots
Gentle, computer-controlled traction has been shown to temporarily increase intervertebral spacing, which may reduce mechanical pressure on affected nerve roots.
- Reduced disc bulge or herniation pressure
Negative intradiscal pressure observed during decompression protocols may assist in reducing disc-related compression in some cases.
- Improved disc hydration
Decompression has been reported to facilitate fluid exchange within intervertebral discs, supporting disc health and load distribution.
- Improved nerve circulation
By reducing compressive forces, decompression may help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to irritated nerve tissue.
- Reduced nerve irritation and inflammation
Lower mechanical stress may allow inflamed or sensitised nerves to settle over time.
Spinal decompression appears most relevant for radiculopathy where disc bulge, disc herniation or degenerative disc changes are contributing factors, rather than symptoms arising purely from muscular tension. Individual outcomes vary, and suitability must be determined through clinical assessment.
Referenced studies include Arumugam et al. (PMRJ), Carmona et al. (Spine Research), Di Modica & Sciarrone (JCDR), and Kasimovich et al.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
1. Detailed Neurological Examination
Your chiropractor will assess:
- • muscle strength
- • reflexes
- • sensation
- • nerve tension tests
- • posture and movement patterns
2. Imaging Review
MRI or X-rays may be reviewed to confirm the source of nerve compression.
3. Candidacy Screening
Not all nerve compression cases require decompression. We determine whether it is safe and appropriate.
4. Personalised Treatment Plan
May include:
- • spinal decompression
- • gentle chiropractic adjustments
- • nerve mobility exercises
- • posture correction
- • stabilisation exercises
Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression?
You may be suitable if you have:
- arm or leg pain from nerve compression
- disc-related radiculopathy
- numbness, tingling or weakness
- symptoms worsened by sitting or posture
- MRI-confirmed disc or foraminal narrowing
- symptoms not improving with standard care
You may not be suitable if you have:
- spinal tumours
- fractures
- infection
- severe instability
- advanced osteoporosis
All patients are carefully screened.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
Most radiculopathy programs involve:
2–3 sessions per week- 6–10 weeks of care
Nerve healing is gradual and requires consistent unloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve.
Yes — many cases improve significantly with the right care.
No. It is gentle and comfortable.
Nerves heal slowly; improvement often occurs over weeks, not days.
Most people with radiculopathy do not require surgery.
Book an Assessment
If you're experiencing nerve pain, numbness, tingling or symptoms of radiculopathy, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be suitable for you.
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