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L 1-5 Facet Joints

In most individuals, the lumbar spine is comprised of five (or in some individuals, six) vertebrae in the lower back. These vertebrae, referred to commonly as L1-L5, are the largest in the spine. Due to their lower-back location, the lumbar vertebrae are responsible for supporting much of the body’s weight while maintaining excellent flexibility. Considering the weight it carries and the movements it supports, the lower back also is most prone to damage and deterioration – either by aging or injury. Extreme stress and burden are placed on the lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, and other structures on a daily basis.

The joints in the lower back – called lumbar facet joints – provide this area of the spine with its ability to bend, move, twist, and maintain its structural integrity. Two pairs of lumbar facet joint surfaces (two on the top and two on the bottom) connect the vertebrae together and allow them to move in various directions, while soft, spongy discs help provide cushioning for the space in between the vertebrae.

A certain degree of degeneration is to be expected in these structures as a result of the normal aging process. Potential causes of problems in the L1-L5 facet joints, vertebrae, and discs can include:

• Spinal stenosis
• Bone spurs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis in a facet joint
• Protruded, herniated or bulging discs
• Facet disease
• And many more

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Should an individual experience lower back pain, a trip to the physician is usually in order. Once the source of the discomfort is identified, a doctor will work with their patient to create a treatment plan to manage the symptoms. Typically, this is handled non-surgically with great effect. In the event that the patient does not sufficiently respond to conservative treatments over the course of a couple of months, or the symptoms are extreme, surgery may be warranted.

In this circumstance, the patient would do well to contact the experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI). At LSI, our award-winning team of spinal surgeons alleviates pain in the L1-L5 facet joints and discs with minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic spine procedures. Unlike traditional open back surgery, our state-of-the-art orthopedic procedures utilize gentle lasers to address a number of spinal conditions without hospitalization or lengthy rehabilitation. For a free review of your CT or MRI scan and to learn more about endoscopic spine procedures, call LSI today.

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