Pain from facet joint syndrome can be severe and disrupt your life. If you’re experiencing facet joint pain in Philadelphia, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lenny Roberts.
Click here to contact us or call 215-487-2500.
What is Facet Joint Syndrome
Get Relief from Back Pain Associated with Facet Joint Syndrome - Contact Dr. Lenny Roberts Today!
Facet joint syndrome, otherwise known as facet joint disease or facet syndrome is an arthritic condition that affects the facet joints in the spine. The facet joints are the areas where the vertebrae actually join together. They are designed to impart strength, flexibility and spinal integrity, as well as offer a range of defined movement for each vertebral level.
What Causes Facet Joint Syndrome
There are a number of causes of facet joint syndrome. The facet joints may be irritated from trauma, repetitive movements, or arthritic changes. It is very common to develop degenerative changes in facet joints after trauma to the spine, as a result of an injury to the intervertebral disc or secondary to degenerative disc disease. If the intervertebral disc is damaged and the cushioning effect of the disc is lost, the facet joints at that level will undergo more stress, which may result in degeneration of the facet joint.
Poor posture can also cause undue stress on the facet joints. There is a natural inward curve in the lumbar (low back) section of the spine. In this position, the facet joints in the lumbar section are designed and positioned to handle a certain amount of stress. When the natural curve of the lumbar spine is exaggerated excess stress is placed on the facet joints. Poor body mechanics or how we use our body can also cause problems with the facet joints. Bending from the back, improper lifting, poor rest positions, and prolonged sitting in poorly designed chairs can all cause undo stress on the facet joints.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome
The symptoms of facet joint disease can mimic symptoms of many back pain conditions. It is impossible to diagnose facet syndrome from the symptoms alone. There is also the possibility that the facet joint pain is actually being caused by another painful condition, such as general arthritis in the spine. In this case, facet syndrome is not the only problem. Instead, it is merely a part of a larger degenerative condition.
If you’re experiencing back pain and believe you may have facet joint syndrome in Philadelphia, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lenny Roberts for a consultation.
Click here to contact us or call 215-487-2500.
