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Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet joint syndrome (facet joint disease, facet syndrome) is a pain 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* Causes of Facet Joint Syndrome.* Symptoms of Facet Syndrome. * Facet Joint Pain * Osteophytes * Diagnosis of Facet Syndrome. * Treatment of Facet Syndrome. * Facet Joint Therapy * Facet Hypertrophy * Spinal Joint Pain * Facet Syndrome Exercises 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 a large amount of nerve tissue that runs into each one of these lubricating capsules. Facet Joint DiseaseThere is a lot of controversy about whether this is an actual condition in itself, or just the byproduct of another root cause. The spinal facet joints are in constant motion, and do suffer degeneration. Our whole body degenerates as we age, so this is no surprise. Degeneration of the facet joints is simply a normal part of life, 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 joint is designed to prevent bone to bone contact. When contact occurs, there might be some pain. Is this pain abnormal? No. Some minor osteoarthritis pain is completely normal. Many people have worn facet joints, and suffer no pain or symptoms at all. Pain might also occur if the spinal nerves become compressed by the vertebral bones. This occurs mainly due to serious spinal osteoarthritis, and the build up of bone spurs around the facet joints. Recommendation for Facet Joint SyndromeFacet joint 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 age. It is 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 chronic back pain. If this is your situation, learning more about knowledge therapy, might be the cure you really need…Please subscribe to my FREE E-Zine, The Cure Back Pain Forever Newsletter. Facet Joint Syndrome to Back Pain Home page 7/18/06 Revised 6/13/07
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