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Facet Syndrome Symptoms

Facet syndrome symptoms can be difficult to pinpoint as such, because the symptoms are similar to those associated with other spinal conditions. Also known as facet joint disease or spinal arthritis, facet syndrome involves the wearing away of smooth cartilage lining the spinal joints, allowing vertebral bone to rub together, which may result in the formation of bone spurs. The cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine are particularly prone to this sort of wear and tear, as these spinal areas are the most flexible and are subjected to the most stress over a lifetime. Facet syndrome symptoms can include:

• Intermittent pain
• A deep, dull aching
• Headaches
• Facet joint inflammation
• Tenderness near the inflamed joint
• In the lower back or neck, difficulty twisting or leaning backwards
• Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning

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Diagnosing Facet Syndrome

After performing a thorough physical exam and reviewing your medical history, a spinal arthritis specialist may take X-rays, an MRI, or CT scan to confirm facet joint degeneration. A facet joint injection may also be used as a diagnostic tool, a process in which anesthetic and steroidal medications are injected into a joint believed to be causing pain. If the pain subsides immediately, it can be assumed that the correct joint was injected and more specific treatment recommendations can be made.

Laser Spine Institute

Your doctor will typically suggest a course of conservative, non-invasive treatments in an effort to alleviate facet syndrome symptoms. If several weeks or months of conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate pain relief, consider the minimally invasive procedures offered at Laser Spine Institute. Our state-of-the-art endoscopic techniques allow our orthopedic experts to perform these procedures on an outpatient basis, getting most patients back on their feet within an hour of surgery. Contact Laser Spine Institute for more information and you’ll receive a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.

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