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• Facet Syndrome Overview

Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is pain that originates within the facet joints, which are the hinges that connect the vertebrae of the spine. Facet joints occur in pairs on the sides of vertebrae and are synovial joints, which means they are surrounded and lubricated by a thick liquid called synovial fluid. Each joint also is lined by a membrane known as the synovium, and enclosed in a fibrous sac called a joint capsule. The bone surfaces of the joints are lined with a specialized tissue called articular cartilage. Abnormalities that occur within any of the anatomical components of the facet joints can produce pain and threaten overall spinal stability.

Causes of Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is a form of arthritis, for which the root causes are unclear. What is known is that the aging process and traumatic injury can both cause cartilage to deteriorate, which can produce pain as bones of the adjacent joints begin to rub together. It is also known that people older than 50 are more likely to suffer the effects of facet syndrome.

The age-related deterioration of cartilage can expose the small nerves that innervate the joints, which is one way symptoms are produced by facet syndrome. Another way is from the development of bone spurs (osteophytes), which are bony projections that grow in response to the loss of joint stability. These bone spurs often remain asymptomatic, but they also might grow large enough to compress or irritate nearby nerve roots. If this happens, symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness might occur.

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Minimally Invasive Treatment for Facet Syndrome

In most cases, symptoms associated with facet syndrome can be managed using conservative treatment methods like pain medication, behavior modification, exercise, corticosteroid injections, and others. However, if chronic symptoms persist after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option. If so, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed with advanced, endoscopic techniques can provide safe and effective relief from back or neck pain.

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