Facet Joint Syndrome/Arthritis
Overview
Facet joint syndrome is an arthritis-like condition of the spine that can be a significant source of back and neck pain. It is caused by degenerative changes to the joints between the spine bones. The cartilage inside the facet joint can break down and become inflamed, triggering pain signals in nearby nerve endings.
Anatomy of the facet joints
The spine is made of a column of moveable bones called vertebrae that connect to one another. Each vertebra functions as a three-joint complex with a large disc in the front and two facet joints in the back. This tripod design is strong – keeping the bones linked together while allowing our spine to bend and twist. Facets are synovial joints that are lined with cartilage, lubricated in synovial fluid, and covered by a fibrous joint capsule, which strengthens the joint. With repetitive movement, overuse or trauma, this capsule can be torn, strained, or stretched, creating joint or capsular instability. Healthy facet joints glide and slide as the back moves but prevents over-twisting.
Figure 1. Side View of the spine shows a normal disc and facet joint (top). Wear and tear to the disc and facet joint can cause arthritic pain, swelling and stiffness (bottom).
What is facet joint syndrome?
Pain that comes from one or more facet joints is called facet joint syndrome or facet arthropathy. Degenerative changes in the spine may cause body weight to shift unevenly to the facet joints, creating capsular damage. This extra burden causes wear and tear on the joint and changes it over time: the joint capsule thins, smooth cartilage breaks down and becomes irregular like a cobblestone street, and bone spurs may form (fig 1.). Similar to arthritis of the knee joint, these changes make it difficult for the joint to move fluidly and it reacts by becoming inflamed and irritated. The irritated joint sends pain signals to the brain via small nerves in the capsule called medial branch sensory nerves (fig 2.). In turn, the muscles in the area can stiffen and spasm.
Figure 2. The irritated joint sends pain signals to the brain via small nerves in the capsule called medial branch sensory nerves.
What are the symptoms?
Facet joint degeneration can be painless until an event triggers symptoms. There are several symptoms that indicate a person’s pain is coming from the facet joints. The pain is often a diffuse, dull ache in the low back directly over the spine that can spread to the buttocks. In the neck it can be felt in the shoulders and the back of the skull.
Movements such as bending backwards or twisting sideways toward the affected joint will cause pain. Standing or periods of inactivity may worsen the pain. Activities that take the weight off the joint such as sitting, leaning forward, or changing positions may ease the pain. Facet joint symptoms may also mimic the pain of a disc herniation. Pain may be felt down the arms or legs if bone spurs form and press on the spinal nerves. The pain may be chronic or come in periodic flare-ups.
What are the causes?
As we get older, cartilage in our joints wears down. An injury, repetitive movements, obesity, poor posture, and other spine conditions that change the way the facet joints align, and move can cause pain.
Changes in the facet joints can begin with the deterioration of a vertebral disc. As the load of the body weight shifts to the facet joint, the cartilage breaks down, the joint space narrows, and the bones rub together.
Who is affected?
Facet joint syndrome occurs in both men and women. It is most common between the ages of 40 and 70 and in those prone to arthritis. It also may develop in people who have had a spine injury.
How is a diagnosis made?
Facet pain can be similar to other spine conditions. An accurate diagnosis is important to determine whether the facet joint is the source of your pain. Evaluation includes a medical history and physical exam. The doctor will consider all the information provided, including any history of injury, location of your pain, and problems standing or sleeping.
You may be asked to stand or move in different positions and point to where you feel pain. The doctor can manipulate your joints or feel for tenderness over the spine.
Imaging studies, such as X-ray, CT, or MRI, may be ordered to help in the diagnosis and to check for other spine and hip related problems.
What treatments are available?
While facet joint arthritis can’t be reversed, there is evidence that exercise, lifestyle changes and manipulative therapy can contribute to better quality of life.
Self-Care: Using correct posture and keeping your spine in alignment are important things you can do to prevent painful episodes. You may need to make adjustments to your daily standing, sitting and sleeping habits. Losing weight can reduce the load on the facet joints and alleviate pain.
Manipulative therapy: Exercise is very helpful for a painful facet joint, and it can help you heal faster. Chiropractors can instruct you on proper lifting and walking techniques, and they will work with you to strengthen and stretch your lower back, leg, and stomach muscles.
Links
SpineUniverse.com (http://www.spineuniverse.com)
Spine-Health.com ( http://www.spine-health.com)
Acknowledgements:
Mayfield Clinic
Robert Whitten, MD.
Marc Orlando, MD.
Cannington Chiro Services
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