An Inside Look Into Facet Joint Syndrome

An Inside Look Into Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome is a condition similar to arthritis and is often a significant cause of neck and back pain. It results from degenerative changes to the joints between the vertebral bones in the spine. These degenerative changes may cause body weight to shift unevenly, resulting in extra pressure on the facet joints. Consequently, the cartilage lining the facet joints breakdown and become inflamed, triggering pain signals in surrounding nerve endings. The symptoms of facet joint syndrome Shrewsbury often improve with medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, joint injections, and nerve ablations. But individuals with chronic symptoms may require surgery to fuse the joint.

Symptoms of facet joint syndrome

The degenerative changes in the facet joints can be painless until an event triggers the symptoms. Pain originating from the facet joint is often a diffuse, dull ache in the lower back and can spread to the buttocks. If the degeneration occurs in the cervical facet joints, you may experience pain at the back of your skull, neck, and shoulders.

Pain from one or more facet joints usually worsens when you bend backward or twist sideways toward the affected joint. Long periods of inactivity can also worsen facet joint pain. You can ease the pain by performing activities that take the weight off the joints. These include leaning forward, sitting, or changing positions. The symptoms of facet joint syndrome may also mimic those of a herniated disc. You may have pain that radiates down the arms or legs if osteophytes form and press on spinal nerves. The pain may become periodic flare-ups.

Causes of facet joint syndrome

The cartilage in our joints, including the facet joints, wears down as we age. Almost everyone that lives long enough will have some degree of degeneration in the spine. These changes may also result from other things altering the facet joint alignment and movement. These include obesity, repetitive motions, injury, and poor posture.

The degenerative changes in the facet joints usually begin with the deterioration of the vertebral disc. As the load of the body weight shifts to the facet joint, it causes the narrowing of joint spaces, cartilage breakdown, and friction between bones.

Facet joint syndrome can occur in men or women but is most likely to affect individuals between the ages of 40 and 70. People prone to arthritis and those who have had a spine injury are also at risk of facet joint syndrome.

Treatments for facet joint syndrome

The cartilage damage is irreversible, but exercise, lifestyle changes, and careful management of your back can contribute to a better quality of life. Your doctor may recommend injections, ablations, or surgery if your symptoms do not improve with conservative therapies.

  • Self-care. You can prevent painful episodes by maintaining good posture and aligning your spine. Adjustments to your daily sitting, standing, and sleeping habits may help. If you are overweight, your doctor will suggest weight loss to reduce the load on the facet joints and alleviate pain.
  • Medications. Oral anti-inflammatory drugs or creams, salves, and topical patches may help reduce pain.

If you have further questions about facet joint syndrome, consult your doctor at Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine.