Everything You Need to Know About Facet Syndrome

The facet joints (zygapophyseal or apophyseal joints) of the spine, essential parts of the skeletal system that help people move, bend, turn, and twist, represent a common source of pain and place an enormous burden on society and health systems.

Aging and/or traumatic injury can lead to the damage of one or more facets along the spine.

Pain stemming from the facet joints is referred to as facet syndrome. Whilst imaging for facet syndrome is widespread, there’s no remarkable correlation between clinical symptoms and degenerative spinal changes.

Facet syndrome is a general pathology among older adults, yet many studies report a lower average age at which joint arthritis is identified.

The facet joints in the lower spine (lower back) are more at risk of facet syndrome because they bear a lot of stress and weight, which makes them susceptible to degeneration and injury.

Nonetheless, the facet joints found in the cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid back) may also cause pain that lasts for weeks on end. Flare-ups are unpredictable and can occur several times a month or a couple of times a year.

There’s no way to cure facet syndrome, but you can manage your symptoms without surgery for many years.

What Causes Facet Syndrome?

The natural wear and tear of the facet joints due to aging results in inflammation and stiffness. Spinal osteoarthritis largely remains a misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and improperly treated pathology involving different cytokines and proteolytic enzymes.

Other conditions can complicate facet syndrome and make the pain worse. An example is disc degeneration, which brings the joint surfaces together and alters the normal mechanics of the articulations, enhancing stress on the facets at that level.

Generally speaking, it’s impossible to differentiate between discogenic pain and facet pain without using a discogram. While primarily caused by natural wear and tear and degeneration, facet syndrome can also occur because of:

• Trauma from an injury or sporting activity. As previously mentioned, traumatic injury can limit the spinal range of motion. Facet joint irritation is caused by movement or repetitive positioning of the joint into an extended posture. Intense pain occurs at the site of the injury and can radiate elsewhere. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the spine’s facet joints, which are vulnerable to attack from a dysfunctional immune system. On the other hand, ankylosing spondylitis, a condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed, is followed by arthritic changes in the facet joints. 
• Obesity, smoking, malnutrition. Outer abdominal fat is closely associated with facet joint arthritis at the lumbar spine, and it’s also a risk factor for the incidence of disc space narrowing. Nicotine damage to the facet joints and spinal tissue can exacerbate this painful medical condition. Lastly, you’re more prone to develop facet syndrome if you have deficiencies in nutrient intake. 

Facet Joint Pain Produces Different Symptoms

The symptoms of facet syndrome vary by individual and the spinal region affected. The arthritic changes in the joint facets can constrict and irritate the nerves that exit near them, resulting in damage that can lead to symptoms such as:

• A distinct discomfort characterized by a dull ache

• Shooting or burning pain

• Muscle spasms

• Pins-and-needles sensation 

• Pain that occurs in periodic flare-ups

• Bony projections that develop along the edges

• Stiffness

If the facet joints in the spine become too enlarged, the cartilage wears out. The nerves that run near the spinal joints become damaged or irritated in the process, a condition that is called facet hypertrophy.

Diagnosing Facet Syndrome Can Be a Difficult Task

Since facet pain is similar to other spine conditions, it can be challenging to make an accurate diagnosis. To determine if the facet joint is the cause of the pain, the doctor will take a proper medical history and do a physical exam to better understand your health problems.

You may be required to move in different positions to recreate the pain or point to where you feel pain. A diagnostic block or injection is necessary to confirm facet syndrome and must be controlled to exclude false-positive responses. Local anesthetic is used to block the nerves that supply the facet joints.

Treatment Options for Facet Syndrome

Once your doctor confirms your diagnosis, they’ll develop a treatment plan that most likely involves a combination of nonsurgical options like applying heat therapy, using a supportive brace, or using anti-inflammatory medications.

Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and postural correction help patients regain mobility and make life as pain-free as possible. Houston is home to many spinal rehabilitation centers strategically located around the city.

You can seek facet syndrome treatment in Houston, TX, to control the symptoms of your joint disorder and partially restore the spine’s flexibility. For continued results, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.

By doing lifting and walking techniques, you can strengthen and stretch your lower back, leg, and stomach muscles, reducing the pain associated with the condition.

Physical therapy is recommended by experts, who determine what kind of treatment you should receive, how long it should go on for, and when the techniques should be adjusted. Spinal manipulation performed by a chiropractor can offer pain relief and lead to postural improvements.

One of the most common issues with facet syndrome is the misalignment of the vertebrae above and below the joint, which places excessive pressure on the facet joint. A chiropractor specializing in the musculoskeletal system can provide the most effective treatment.

Is Facet Syndrome Permanent?

Stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercise may slow down the degeneration process and reduce the stress on the joints by promoting better spine health and lowering inflammation in the body.

Your treating physician may recommend injections if your pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatment like chiropractic care. The pain relief can last for years, and if you experience recurring pain, the procedure can be repeated.

If injection therapy doesn’t provide long-term relief and there’s a compression of the nerve roots, surgery may be indicated. Facet syndrome can’t be reversed, yet careful management of your pain can contribute to a better quality of life.

To sum up, you don’t have to put up with pain, regardless of what’s causing the facet syndrome. Even if the symptoms make you feel frustrated and helpless, remember that the condition can be managed during its early stages.