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Facet Joint Syndrome: Lumbar Spine Treatment at LSI

At the back of each vertebra is a pair of small joints, called facet joints, which hold the spine together and control its flexibility; without them, the spine would be no more rigid than a series of rings with a rope strung through them. These joints often deteriorate, causing pain and immobility – a condition called facet joint syndrome. This condition is most prevalent in the cervical and lumbar spine, and treatment options are fairly standard.

The facet joints are under almost continual strain and are particularly susceptible to wear and tear. This is especially true for the most flexible portions of the back: the cervical and lumbar spine. Treatment of the facet joints requires an understanding of how they work, so let’s examine their structure.

Joint Characteristics

Most joints in the body display the same characteristics:

• The surfaces of the bones are coated with cartilage that acts as a cushion against shock and a natural gliding surface on which the joint moves.
• The joint is contained within the synovial membrane. This membrane completely encompasses and secretes synovial fluid into the joint.
• The joint is further lubricated by the synovial fluid, which is viscous in nature. The fluid seeps into any open space in the joint and coats the cartilage.

Treating Facet Joint Syndrome

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Over time – either because of aging, injury, or both – the cartilage can begin to break down or even tear, causing inflammation and restricting the motion of the joint. Whether this occurs in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, conservative spine?treatment is going to be the desired first course; often, pain medication, rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medicine is enough to promote healing in the joint. It may, however, be necessary to consider surgery.

That is why Laser Spine Institute (LSI) is here, to help patients whose back pain does not improve after non-invasive treatment, but without subjecting them to the added risk, discomfort, and inconvenience of open back surgery. To find out if one of our laser-assisted, minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures is right for you, or to arrange a free review of your CT scan or MRI, contact LSI today.

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