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Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joint syndrome, otherwise known as facet joint disease or facet syndrome is an arthritic condition that affects the facet joints in the spine. The
facet joints
are the areas where the vertebrae actually join together. They are designed to impart strength, flexibility and spinal integrity, as well as offer a range of defined movement for each vertebral level.
Facet Joints* Facet Joint Arthritis Facet Joints link the vertebrae to one another and provide the flexibility for individual movement of each bone. Cartilage covers surface of the bones in the facet joints . The joint is covered by a capsule of ligaments and soft tissue. This capsule contains synovial fluid that is used to lubricate the facet joint. This combination of cartilage, ligament and synovial fluid keeps the joint moving smoothly and effortlessly. It prevents friction and bone on bone contact. There is also a fair amount of nerve tissue that runs into each one of these lubricating capsules. Facet Joint Syndrome DiagnosisThere is considerable medical controversy about whether this is an actual condition unto itself or just the byproduct of another root cause. The spinal facet joints are in constant motion and do suffer degeneration. The whole human body degenerates as we age, so this is no surprise. Degeneration of the facet joints is simply a normal part of life, experienced universally, as we get older.Degeneration of these joints occurs when the cartilage wears thin and the synovial fluid leaks out or dries up. This causes increased friction in between the individual vertebra. Is this harmful? Is this painful? Well, it depends on who you ask… Pain might come from the actual bone on bone contact. This makes sense. The protective measures inside the joint are designed to prevent bone to bone contact. When contact occurs, there might be some pain. Is this pain abnormal? No. Some minor arthritis pain is completely normal. However, many people have worn facet joints and suffer no pain or symptoms at all. Pain might also occur if a bone spur creates a pinched nerve. This occurs mainly due to serious spinal osteoarthritis and the build up of osteophytes around the facet joints or foraminal openings. Recommendation for Facet Joint SyndromeFacet syndrome is a normal part of aging. If you think of it this way, you are unlikely to suffer serious symptoms. Some aches and pains are normal as we get older. They are unavoidable. However, serious facet joint pain is rare. Facet syndrome is just one of many pain syndromes that have become a scapegoat for treatment-resistant back pain. If this is your situation, learning more about knowledge therapy might be the cure you really need…Share your own back pain story with the world by taking part in my interactive forum. Speak out now and make a difference! Please subscribe to my FREE E-Zine, The Cure Back Pain Forever Newsletter.
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