General Information About Facet Joint Syndrome
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the wearing down and loss of cartilage in the small facet joints, which provide flexibility to the spine and allow it to bend backward, due to aging or trauma, resulting in pain generation.
A herniated disc is a pain that radiates down the leg and increases when bending forward and sitting. Facet joint pain, however, increases when leaning backward or twisting the spine side-to-side, and generally does not radiate down the leg (below the knee).
Joint calcification (osteoarthritis) developing with advancing age is the most common cause. Additionally, heavy sports that overload the spine, postural disorders, and traumas also wear down the joint.
Severe stiffness in the lower back/neck, especially felt when getting out of bed in the morning, increased tenderness when a specific point on the lower back is touched, and a sharp pain experienced while straightening up backward.
Physical examination findings generally guide the diagnosis. An MRI or Computed Tomography (CT) scan is requested to observe in detail the increased fluid and calcification in the facet joints.
Manual therapy, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the lower back/neck muscles are the first steps. For resistant pain, cortisone injections into the facet joint or radiofrequency ablation procedures that desensitize the nerves are performed under operating room conditions.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
