Facet joint syndrome

The orthopedic surgeons and related health professionals love to make medicine sound complex- instead of calling it joint pain now we have facet joint syndrome.

The back is made of many vertebra all aligned in the midline and anatomically arranged to protect the spinal cord. Each vertebra has a facet joint. Facet joints interlink the vertebrae above and below to form a flexible unit that allows the spine to be flexible. This flexibility allows the back to move sideways, forward, and backwards. Facet joints are no different from joints anywhere else in the body

Functions of Facet joint

Like all joints, the surface of facet joint is covered with cartilage whose function is to absorb all trauma and protect the joint. The joint also has a covering, known as synovium that secretes fluid which allows the joint to bend without any friction. The fluid inside the joint is called synovial fluid (it functions just like the oil engine in a car)

What is facet joint syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome occurs when pain arises from any structure within the joint. In the majority of cases, facet joint syndrome occurs in the neck or lower back. The syndrome starts off as an odd ache which worsens with movements or intense activity. Over time, the pain becomes continuous but does respond slightly to pain medications. In the neck area, the pain may radiate to the head, shoulders, upper arms, and back. Sleep is always interrupted because of pain.

When pain develops in the lower back, it is often continuous and often gets worse when one stands for prolonged periods. Often the individual may have difficulty getting up from a chair or bed. Stiffness of lower back is a common complaint first thing in the morning.