Facet Syndrome Research Paper
Facet Syndrome
Facet syndrome is a condition in which joints (facet joints) that connect the bones of the spine (vertebrae) become damaged. Facet joints help the spine move, and they usually wear down (degenerate) or become inflamed as you age. This can cause pain and stiffness in the neck (cervical facet syndrome) or in the lower back (lumbar facet syndrome).
When a facet joint becomes damaged, a vertebra may slip forward, out of its normal place in the spine. Damage to a facet joint can also damage nerves near the spine, which can cause tingling or weakness in the arms or legs. Facet syndrome can make it difficult to turn the head or bend backward without pain. This condition typically gets worse over time.
CAUSES
Common causes of this …show more content…
RISK FACTORS
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
• Playing contact sports.
• Doing activities or sports that involve repetitive twisting motions or repetitive heavy lifting.
• Having poor back strength and flexibility.
• Having another back or spine condition, such as scoliosis.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of facet syndrome may include:
• An ache in the neck or lower back. This may get worse when you twist or arch your back, or when you look up.
• Stiffness in the neck or lower back.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Symptoms of cervical facet syndrome may include:
• Headache.
• Pain at the back of the head.
• Pain in the shoulder blades.
Symptoms of lumbar facet syndrome may include pain in any of the following areas:
• Groin.
• Thighs.
• Lower back.
• Buttocks.
• Hips.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed based on:
• Your symptoms.
• Your medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Imaging tests, such as:
○ X-rays.
○ MRI.
• A procedure in which medicines to numb the area (local anesthetic) and medicines to reduce inflammation (steroids) are injected into your affected joint (facet joint block).
Facet syndrome is a condition in which joints (facet joints) that connect the bones of the spine (vertebrae) become damaged. Facet joints help the spine move, and they usually wear down (degenerate) or become inflamed as you age. This can cause pain and stiffness in the neck (cervical facet syndrome) or in the lower back (lumbar facet syndrome).
When a facet joint becomes damaged, a vertebra may slip forward, out of its normal place in the spine. Damage to a facet joint can also damage nerves near the spine, which can cause tingling or weakness in the arms or legs. Facet syndrome can make it difficult to turn the head or bend backward without pain. This condition typically gets worse over time.
CAUSES
Common causes of this …show more content…
RISK FACTORS
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
• Playing contact sports.
• Doing activities or sports that involve repetitive twisting motions or repetitive heavy lifting.
• Having poor back strength and flexibility.
• Having another back or spine condition, such as scoliosis.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of facet syndrome may include:
• An ache in the neck or lower back. This may get worse when you twist or arch your back, or when you look up.
• Stiffness in the neck or lower back.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
Symptoms of cervical facet syndrome may include:
• Headache.
• Pain at the back of the head.
• Pain in the shoulder blades.
Symptoms of lumbar facet syndrome may include pain in any of the following areas:
• Groin.
• Thighs.
• Lower back.
• Buttocks.
• Hips.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed based on:
• Your symptoms.
• Your medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Imaging tests, such as:
○ X-rays.
○ MRI.
• A procedure in which medicines to numb the area (local anesthetic) and medicines to reduce inflammation (steroids) are injected into your affected joint (facet joint block).