Lumbar Facet Syndrome

Stiff Lower Back Joint

Pain arising from the lumbar zygapophyseal (facet) joints. Accounts for 15-40% of chronic LBP (prevalence varies by study and diagnostic criteria). Most common at L4/5 and L5/S1. Extension and ipsilateral rotation provocative. Definitive diagnosis requires comparative medial branch blocks (as with cervical facet). Referral pattern to buttock and proximal thigh.

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