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:
- Facet joint ablation
- Facet joint denervation
- Facet joint osteoarthritis
- Facet joint surgery
- Facet joint degenerative disease
- Facet joint pain
- Facet joint injection
- Facet joint syndrome
- Facet joint degeneration
- Spine facet joints
- Facet joint arthrosis
- Facet joint arthritis
- Facet joint arthropathy
- Facet joint hypertrophy
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.
