Facet disease causes vary widely, and since it can be caused in so many ways, this condition is the most common reason behind low back problems. As the name implies, facet disease begins in the facet joints. Your spinal vertebrae are linked together by facet joints which allow the spine to flex, rotate, twist and extend freely. When there is a breakdown, or degeneration, of these joints, they can become arthritic and painful, possibly leading to a diagnosis of facet disease.
Facet disease causes can range from family history to illness, and include:
- Weakened immune system
- Traumatic bone fractures
- General wear and tear
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Age
- Improper lifting
- Poor rest positions
- Spondylolisthesis
- Tenderness near inflamed joints
- Lower back pain
- Joint stiffness
- Decreased mobility and/or flexibility
- Muscle weakness
You can educate yourself further on why facet joints are prone to breakdown and injury by reviewing our degenerative facet joints page.
Facet disease can be tricky to diagnose because it closely mimics other conditions such as a herniated disc, stress fractures, or a torn muscle. Facet disease symptoms include:
If you believe you could be susceptible to any of the aforementioned facet disease causes, and you are experiencing facet disease symptoms, contact your doctor or other healthcare provider. Through diagnosis, x-rays or an MRI, he or she will be able to determine whether your pain is related to facet disease. Your doctor can also prescribe a treatment plan. To learn more about treatment options, visit our facet disease treatments page.
Beyond standard treatment, there is another option available for pain relief—minimally invasive procedures performed on an outpatient basis at Laser Spine Institute. With a shorter recuperation time and higher recovery rates than open back surgery, LSI’s revolutionary treatments will help get you back in the game in no time! Contact us today for a free MRI or CT scan review, and to learn more information about our state-of-the-art facilities.
