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Laser Spine Institute

Laser Spine Institute's minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Our revolutionary endoscopic surgical techniques are proven to help patients return to their normal, active lifestyles. Every month, more people come to Laser Spine Institute for help in relieving their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world.
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Endoscopic Spine Procedures
There are many spinal conditions that are treated at the Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.More on endoscopic spine procedures
About LSI
About Laser Spine Institute
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Laser Spine Institute has amazing care with miraculous results.I am pain free at last and looking forward to once again living a full life.
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What is minimally invasive spine surgery and can this procedure help you?You can get these answers by attending a Free Educational Seminar.
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The physicians at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.More about our doctors and medical staff
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Types of Facet Disease
Facet Disease
Causes
- Facet Disease Causes
Treatments
- Facet Disease Treatments
  - Diagnostic Facet Injections
  - Facet Disease Surgery
Facet Disease Prevention
- Facet Disease Prevention
Facet Disease Risk Factors
- Facet Disease Risk Factors
Facet Joints
- Facet Joint
Facet Joint Symptoms
- Facet Joint Symptoms
Facet Joint Treatment
- Facet Joint Treatment
Articles
- Articles

Facet Joint Articles

The spine is a complex and vital part of the body. Without a healthy spine, our muscles and organs would not function and we would be unable to feel any sensations.

Not only does the spine make movement and feeling possible in other parts of the body, but the spine itself is able to move, bend, twist, and stretch thanks to an intricate system of joints called facet joints. Like facets on a diamond, facet joints are fairly flat surfaces that are located on the vertebrae in the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), and lumbar (lower) spine. Each vertebra has a facet joint on the left side and right side. One set of facet joint surfaces faces upward toward the vertebra above, and one set faces downward toward the vertebra below. The surfaces of facet joints are coated in smooth cartilage and a synovial membrane that secretes a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. This protection and lubrication allows facet joints to smoothly rub and pivot against one another.

When problems arise in the facet joints, the results can be debilitating. The back and neck can become stiff and every movement can ache. Nearby nerves in the spinal column can be pinched and symptoms can travel to other parts of the body.

At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we understand how frustrating facet joint conditions can be for patients. For this reason, we’ve assembled a wealth of information to help people understand what facet joints are and what happens when they deteriorate. Some of our most popular facet joint articles include:

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If you need more information about possible treatments for your facet joint condition, contact Laser Spine Institute. Our medical team welcomes your questions, and we can even provide you with a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.

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