How to Diagnose Facet Joint Pain in a Rower

The spinal column has its own group of joints known as the facet joints or the zygapophysial joints. These small synovial joints are located in between each sides and behind the spaces of two connecting vertebrae. Facet joints contain articular cartilages and capsules that give the spine its flexibility and stability to control the normal direction and range of spinal movements. But as stable as they are, these joints are also susceptible to injuries, just like any other joints in the body. Among rowers, injury on the facet joints can be brought about by different factors such as, improper posture while rowing, too much strenuous activities (overtraining), and continuous application of pressure (overuse). All of these factors will lead to manifestations of symptoms for facet joint injuries presented as follows:

Instructions

Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain in a Rower

1. Feel the burn or a dull pain located deep in the lower back area

2. Making it worse: Manifestation of pain is usually recurring. It gets better after rest, but reappears and gets worse during or after training.

3. Avoid certain movements: Sometimes pain can be unpredictable to some rowers. It appears without warning after executing a certain motion.

4. Prevent pain, which manifests itself by radiating from the buttocks or back of the legs

5. Avoid certain motions: Movements such as arching or twisting of the back may worsen the pain

6. Recognize that stiffness is also felt on the lower back that will contribute to difficulty of movement and discomfort

7. Rest: Pain goes away by itself when at rest

Tips & Warnings

• Any type of pain should be considered an emergency. Even if it goes away at rest, you should still contact your physician about it at the soonest possible time. Treatment must be applied right away to avoid further complications.