NBCE Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

A typical L5 facet lesion is often characterized by unilateral low back pain. This pain pattern occurs because the facet joints, which are the joints located at the back of the spine, can become irritated or injured, leading to localized pain on one side of the lower back. This unilateral pain is typically exacerbated by movements that load the facet joint, such as twisting or bending backward.

In contrast, central low back pain may imply a more generalized issue affecting the lower back, possibly involving the intervertebral discs or other structures. Radicular pain down the leg typically relates to nerve root involvement, often due to herniated discs or other conditions that compress the nerves, rather than isolated facet joint lesions. Referred pain to the hip may occur from dysfunction elsewhere in the lumbar spine or pelvis, but it is not a direct indication of an L5 facet lesion. Thus, the specific unilateral nature of the pain best aligns with the typical presentation of the issue at the L5 facet joint.