Facet Syndrome
Pain stemming from the facet joints is termed as facet syndrome. Each level of the spine functions as a three-joint complex. There are two facet joints in the back and a large disc in front that comprise each intervertebral segment. This tripod creates great stability, supports all your weight above each level and provides support for you to move in all directions.
Causes of Facet Syndrome
Facet syndrome can be caused by trauma, such as a whiplash injury of the neck.
Abnormal postures can overload spinal tissues, including the facet joints, and cause inflammation and pain in these joints.
More commonly, degenerative changes in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine can lead to abnormal stress and strain.
This results in increased loads on the facet joints.
Symptoms of Facet Syndrome
Cervical (neck) facet joint syndrome can be felt in the areas of the base of the skull, neck, upper or mid-back, and even shoulders.
Some patients may even present due to frequent headaches.
Thoracic (mid back) facet syndrome is less common than cervical and lumbar (low back) facet syndrome and is probably related to restricted motion at these levels due to the rigidity of the thoracic spine.
Pain experienced in thoracic facet syndrome is likely to be felt locally near the affected joint segment, often close to the midline.
The lumbar spine has considerable motion and high compressive forces.
Facet pain from these joints is quite common.
Pain is usually felt directly over the affected joints, but may also be felt in the buttocks, hips, groin, and back of the thighs depending on which facet joint is injured.
Diagnosis of Facet Syndrome
At your initial consultation your spinal specialist will diagnose your pain or symptoms.
The visit will begin with a physical exam and collection of health history.
In addition you will be asked to share the timeline and triggers of your pain and discomfort.
Diagnosis of facet syndrome is made primarily from the history and physical exam.
If facet syndrome is suspected, diagnostic imaging can be obtained.
Imaging includes but is not limited to X-Rays, MRI, and CT scan.
X-Rays will be done in-house at our facility during your initial consultation.
These studies might show facet hypertrophy (enlargement of the joint) which would indicate the joint is under excessive stress.
Treatment of Facet Syndrome
Most conservative treatments for facet syndrome involve postural correction, soft tissue massage and manipulation of the affected areas.
Spine-specialized physical therapists and osteopathic clinicians are adept at restoring movement and normal function in restricted and painful facet joints.
Treatments are usually combined with a course of anti-inflammatory medications to decrease inflammation.
Muscle relaxers may be used to decrease local muscle spasms.
When conservative treatments have failed to work, facet joint injections or medial branch blocks using steroid medications can help localize and reduce pain from facet joints.
This can be safely performed using fluoroscopic X-ray guidance in an outpatient setting.
If facet pain is temporarily improved or resolved by injections, further treatment options such as radiofrequency ablation may be suggested.