1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Articles
• »
• Articles
• »
• Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome is defined as ongoing pain that originates in the facet joints. Since the facet joints enable movement throughout the length of the spine, people who suffer from facet joint syndrome feel pain in many everyday situations. Turning one’s head can be impossible because of the pain, and the syndrome also can lead to headaches, shoulder pain, and pain that travels from the lower back to the legs. This can make getting out of bed and standing up very difficult.

The facet joints have the job of connecting adjacent vertebrae. These joints also provide surfaces for the vertebrae to slide and pivot against one another seamlessly. Smooth movement of facet joints is assured thanks to cartilage and synovial fluid that act as padding and lubrication, respectively. But, like a door that begins to creak when the hinges are worn out, so too can your facet joints deteriorate after time. However, the “creaking” is translated as pain that can manifest as throbbing, aching, inflammation, joint locking, or joint crunching, also called “crepitus.” Because joints facilitate mobility, you can imagine how debilitating facet joint syndrome can be.

Facet joint syndrome can be caused by virtually any degenerative spine condition, especially facet joint osteoarthritis. For many patients, facet joint syndrome can be successfully treated using non-invasive physiotherapy that might include rest, hot and cold packs, mild massage, or pain medication. Patients also find relief from facet joint injections, which use the slow-release hormone, cortisone, to reduce painful joint swelling. Acupuncture can also be helpful. This is a holistic technique that uses thin needles to release tension at the various energy sources in your body.

Yoga can work as a source of muscle-balance therapy for facet joint syndrome, not to mention its meditative benefits (but a doctor should be consulted before any exercise program is attempted). Some patients have found inversion therapy, which can be a common practice in yoga, effective because it helps to straighten the spine and realign shifted joints. In addition to yoga, certain low-impact cardiovascular exercises – if approved by a doctor – can be useful. Try walking or swimming as a way to increase endurance and muscle strength while decreasing body mass. Since obesity has been isolated as a possible cause of facet joint syndrome, weight loss might be helpful in reducing pain, as well.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

If you find that these conservative treatments are not effectively relieving you of your facet joint pain, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI). Our award-winning specialists are at the forefront of minimally-invasive, laser-assisted procedures that can greatly reduce pain in the facet joints. Contact us today for a free review or your MRI or CY scan.

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