Facet impingement results in restriction of motion in which directions?

• A. Side bending only
• B. Flexion, extension, rotation, or side bending
• C. Rotation only
• D. Flexion and Extension only

Answer: (B)

Facet joints guide and limit spinal movement in several planes. When a facet becomes irritated or arthritic, the joint capsule tightens, cartilage roughens, and inflammation occurs, leading to pain and protective guarding. This reduces motion across all the main directions the spine moves: bending forward (flexion), bending backward (extension), rotating, and side bending. That’s why the best answer includes flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending—motion isn’t confined to just one direction. The other options miss directions that are also normally constrained by the facets.