Facet joint syndrome part 2

What causes facet joint syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome can occur from injury to any components of the joint. The classic causes include wearing down of cartilage, synovial fluid may disappear and this may induce friction in the joint, bony spurs may form which compress or impinge nerves, poor posture, back trauma, infection, arthritis and work related injury (typically heavy lifting)

Who develops facet joint syndrome?

Millions of individuals are affected with this syndrome. The disorder is more commonly seen after the 4th decade of life but can occur much earlier, depending on prior back injury, lifestyle, and type of work

How is facet joint syndrome diagnosed?

Besides a physical exam, some type of radiological study is required to make a diagnosis of facet joint syndrome. The most common radiological study used today is an MRI. Plain x rays may reveal arthritis or formation of bony spurs. Sometimes the physician may inject a numbing medication in the joint and if the pain disappears, the diagnosis of facet joint syndrome is made. If the pain is unrelieved, then it is most unlikely that the pain is caused by a problem with the facet joint.

How is facet joint syndrome treated?

The treatment of facet joint syndrome is always supportive in the beginning. It includes posture correction, changes in lifestyle, participation in a physical therapy program, wearing braces and pain medications.

When these conservative methods fail, other therapies include radiofrequency rhizotomy (use of radiofrequency waves to denervate the pain nerves).

With conservative measures, the majority of individuals with facet joint syndrome improve. About 20% have recurrent back pain for years.

Final note

For the consumer, it is essential not to jump into surgical management as the first step. The results of surgery are poor and recurrent back pain is common.