Facet Pain vs Disc Pain

Facet Pain

Facet pain comes from the small joints at the back of the spine.

Facet Pain vs Disc Pain

It causes local back pain, stiffness and pain with bending or twisting.

  • Joint irritation
  • Local back pain
  • Stiffness with bending or twisting

Disc Pain

Disc pain usually comes from a bulging or herniated disc.

It may irritate or compress a nearby nerve and can cause pain that travels into the buttock or leg.

  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Nerve pressure
  • Pain down the leg

Not all back pain comes from the same source. Understanding the difference between facet pain and disc pain can help guide the right treatment approach.

Facet pain usually comes from the small joints at the back of the spine. It may cause localised back pain, stiffness, and discomfort when bending, twisting, or standing for long periods.

Disc pain is often linked to a bulging or herniated disc. When a disc irritates or presses on a nearby nerve, pain may travel into the buttock or leg and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Because symptoms can overlap, a proper clinical assessment is important. At Spine Intervention, we focus on identifying the source of your pain and recommending targeted treatment options based on your condition.

To book an appointment, contact Spine Intervention:
Tel: 012 012 5293
E-mail: reception@spineintervention.co.za