 |
|
Diagnosis of Facet Syndrome
Facet joint degeneration is easy to see on any diagnostic film study. Normally, preliminary X-rays are taken, followed by a CT scan or MRI. Remember, facet joint degeneration is NORMAL, especially in older or active people. Therefore, facet joint syndrome is common to find in back pain patients. Facet syndrome is also common to find in people with no back pain. If no other cause is obvious, it is one of the “old stand bys” that can always be blamed for causing the pain.
Imaging studies will look at the actual vertebral bones first. Signs of facet syndrome will be noted. Next, indications of neurological impingement will be investigated. Sometimes, the facet joint degeneration can lead to the growth of bone spurs, which might compress a spinal nerve root. Anesthetic Diagnosis of Facet Joint DiseaseOne of the most popular ways to diagnose facet joint syndrome as the cause of pain, is with an anesthetic pain block. Anesthetic is injected directly into the capsule of the facet joint under live X-ray. (fluoroscopy). If the pain is relieved, then the facet joint is usually blamed for the symptoms.New research points out that the anesthetic dose is often up to 100 times too large to numb just that individual joint. The anesthetic will spread and can affect all the spinal nerves in the area. This basically blocks pain from any cause in that spinal level. Obviously, this is not a reliable diagnostic technique... Recommendation for Facet Syndrome DiagnosisDon’t be surprised if you are told that you have facet joint degeneration. I have it and so do many people. As we age, we will ALL have it to one degree or another.Do not let the mental picture of your poor vertebrae rubbing violently together, cause you to have worsened symptoms. This diagnosis can cause a powerful nocebo effect. Instead, just think of this as a normal part of aging. Occasional minor pain is normal. If the symptoms are severe, seek out qualified treatment. Facet Syndrome to Back Pain Home page 7/17/06 Revised 5/31/07
|
