Facet syndrome, also called facet joint syndrome or facet disease, is a chronic disease that can be a source of serious back pain. We are going to briefly explain the symptoms of this disease and the root cause. We will also be looking at some treatments.

Two facet joints are present on each vertebra. They connect the vertebrae together. They allow for a moderate amount of spinal twisting and bending. When they are healthy, cartilage cushions are present in the joint. This cartilage protects the joints during normal spinal movements. Due to injury or deterioration or wearing away with age, it may no longer provide effective protection. When this happens, the bones of the joints rub together, which is painful. Also, the spine may be out of alignment. This may be caused by injury or poor posture. Bad alignment causes stress to the facets and this causes pain.

Either the neck or the lower back may be affected. Neck problems cause neck and shoulder pain. They may also cause headaches and difficulty in moving the head. Lower back problems may make it difficult to get out of a chair, or cause other movement problems. They can cause pain in the lower back, the back of the thighs, or the buttocks.

The disease is often suspected after other possible causes of the symptoms have been eliminated. This elimination may include x rays and MRI scans to look for possible injuries. The next step would be to do a facet joint block. This procedure temporarily numbs one or more facet joints. If this reduces or eliminates the pain, then facet syndrome would be indicated.

The first treatment step is a mixture of exercise, physical therapy, and posture correction. This is often successful at reducing the symptoms. If it is not, then the nerves in the appropriate facet joints can be destroyed via radiofrequency rhizotomy. This surgical procedure uses an application of electricity.

These are the basic facts on facet syndrome. It is a serious condition, but it is also not difficult to treat in most cases. Surgery is available as a last resort.

How much do you really know about facet syndrome? Facet syndrome is a serious back injury and could cause lots of pain if not treated properly. To gather more information on facet syndrome and learn of possible treatment options, visit the CDI website at www.CaliforniaDiscInstitute.com

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