Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What type of pain is characteristic of facet joint syndrome?

1. Localized sharp pain with no radiation

2. Radiating pain below the knee (non-radicular pain)

3. Severe pain in the shoulder region

4. Constant pain in the lower back only

The correct answer is: Radiating pain below the knee (non-radicular pain)

Facet joint syndrome is characterized by localized pain in the back that often presents with specific patterns based on the affected spinal region. The pain typically arises from the degeneration or inflammation of the facet joints, which are the joints in the back of the spine that provide stability and allow for movement. Localized sharp pain with no radiation often describes a straightforward musculoskeletal issue, but facet joint syndrome can also involve radiating pain due to the irritation of nearby structures or nerves. The presence of radiating pain below the knee, often referred to as non-radicular pain, may indicate that the pain is not limited to the area of the spine but can extend into the lower extremities without following a specific nerve root distribution, which is characteristic of radicular pain. This information combines standard presentations of facet joint-related discomfort, where patients may feel pain that is not confined to the back but spills over into the surrounding areas, including the buttocks and thighs, potentially leading to symptoms that mimic other conditions but don’t reflect a clear radicular pattern. While severe pain in the shoulder region and constant pain in the lower back only might represent other types of musculoskeletal injuries or localized conditions in the neck or lower back, they do not encapsulate the broader nature of symptoms often associated