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Facet Syndrome and Aging

Facet syndrome and aging – these two issues are more closely related than you might think. That’s because the predominant cause of facet syndrome is the natural degeneration of the spinal anatomy that accompanies the aging process. Over time, the protective cartilage surrounding the facet joints in the spine wears away, just like in any joint in the body. This degeneration can progress to the point that the bones in the joints grind against one another.

Symptoms

The bone-on-bone contact that can result from facet syndrome can cause pain at the site of the affected joint. It can also cause bone spurs, or osteophytes, to develop. These smooth, excess bony growths are the body’s natural response to bone-on-bone grinding. By itself, a bone spur is asymptomatic, but when it compresses a nearby spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself, it can cause:

• Localized pain at the site of compression
• Pain that travels the entire length of the pinched nerve
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

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Treatment Options

While you can’t reverse the aging process (the primary risk factor for facet symdrome), the good news is that you can still effectively manage the symptoms of facet syndrome through conservative, nonsurgical methods. Your doctor will likely recommend you try any of a variety of potential treatment options, including physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, pain medication, massage, chiropractic treatment, and gentle stretching, among others. These types of treatments are usually very effective, but if you’ve failed to find relief after weeks or months of conservative techniques, contact Laser Spine Institute. Our orthopedic experts perform a variety of endoscopic procedures that are safe, effective alternatives to open spine surgery and that have helped tens of thousands of patients find relief from chronic back and neck pain.

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