Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the wear & tear of cartilages present between our joints. Cartilages act as cushions that prevent damage caused to bones due to impacts. Thus, when an injury occurs or other health conditions cause damage to the cartilages, the bones at the joints will rub against each other and cause various symptoms like pain and swelling.
Now, when osteoarthritis affects the facet joints present in the spine, the condition is known as facet joint syndrome or facet joint arthritis. This condition causes pain, stiffness, and loss of motion in the spine. In severe cases, spinal fusion is required for the treatment. The surgery involves the use of orthopedic implants to stabilize the affected vertebrae.
In this post, we will discuss some facts about the condition including its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Facet Joint Syndrome – An Overview
Each vertebra that forms our spine has a three-joint complex where the large disc is at the front and two facet joints at the back. It helps with the movements of the spine like bending or twisting. When any of these joints get affected due to arthritis, there is pain with spinal movements and along with this, swelling and inflammation are also noticed.
People suffering from this condition may experience pain right over the spine. This generally occurs due to uneven bodyweight shifting on the facet joint caused due to degenerative changes. This extra pressure causes wear & tear in the cartilages and thinning of the joint capsule. Inflammation and irritation are also noticed in some people suffering from this condition.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome
If an incident doesn’t cause pain, facet joint arthritis can be painless in some cases. But there are certain indications that tell the pain is originating from the facet joints. Dull ache on the spine is often noticed in this condition, and the pain experienced may radiate to the hips. Sometimes, the neck and shoulders are also affected, and the pain can also be felt at the back of the skull.
The pain can be chronic, or pain flare-ups may be experienced.
Diagnosis of Facet Joint Syndrome
Pain experienced by people suffering from facet joint syndrome is similar to the one experienced in other spinal conditions. Thus, correct diagnosis is important to provide the right treatment.
During the diagnosis, medical history check and physical examination will be performed. This is done to identify previous injuries that have affected the spine. During the physical examination, the healthcare service provider will manipulate the spine by asking to make certain movements like bending or twisting. This will help identify the movements causing pain and the location. Tenderness over the spine will also be checked.
After this, the healthcare service provider will order certain imaging tests that may include x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. These examinations will confirm other spinal or hip issues related to facet joint syndrome.
Treatment of Facet Joint Arthritis
The treatment of the condition will depend upon the severity as mentioned in the diagnostic report.
The first and foremost thing people suffering from this condition must do is maintain the right alignment of the spine along with a good body posture while walking, standing, sleeping, and sitting. Obese people must try reducing weight as it is also a cause of the condition.
Exercise is known to be one of the best ways to improve pain in the case of mild to moderate facet joint arthritis. Thus, the healthcare service provider will suggest targeted physical therapy to improve the condition and strength of the joint.
In severe cases, spinal fusion surgery may be the best option.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is one of the best and oldest orthopedic device manufacturers in India. Operating for over 30 years, the company is also a reliable exporter of implants to clients based in different countries. To expand its market reach, Siora is looking for trustworthy orthopedic distrbutors in USA.
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