Facet Joint Syndrome


Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet Syndrome is a condition which develops in the joints between each vertebrae, called Facet Joints. Over time, normal wear and tear, injury or overuse can cause the lining of the facet joints to decline. As these joint are used every day, even when just walking or sitting, once the lining (cartilage) is worn down, rubbing between the joints can cause irritation. This condition is also called Osteoarthritis.



Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome

As there are facet joints on each vertebra, the condition can happen anywhere in the spine. Most often, it causes pain at the affected joint area as bone is effectively rubbing on bone. It can also cause restricted movement because the spine can’t move as freely without the cartilage. As the symptoms are similar to many other back conditions, It can be difficult to tell if you have Facet Joint Syndrome. Therefore a professional diagnosis is necessary. Symptoms may include:

  1. Pain, numbness or muscle weakness in specific areas related to where the affected area is
  2. Facet joint syndrome in the cervical region can cause pain in the neck or shoulders, and radiating pain can travel into arms and hands. Some people may also get headaches.
  3. Facet joint syndrome in the lumbar region can cause pain in the lower back or buttocks, and radiating pain can travel into legs and feet.

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatments

As with other forms of arthritis, lowering pain levels is the first step with treatment. This makes helping Facet Joint Syndrome become more manageable. Treatment involving Shockwave therapy and Spinal Remodelling can help bring down the inflammation, and make living with arthritis far more bearable:

  1. Shockwave therapy helps to break down the scar tissue that can build up around the facet joints, allowing increased blood flow into the area, boosting overall healing and help to improve movement in stiff areas. As movement tends to improve hydration of the joints, shockwave therapy helps the production of joint fluid called synovial fluid, aiming to reduce the wear and tear between the cartilage surfaces of the facet joints.
  2. Spinal remodeling and rehabilitative exercises can also help by correcting the posture; an incorrect posture can put pressure on certain areas of the spine, which can potentially worsen the condition.

Frequent Questions

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“I feel much better and fit!”

Ahmed Latif

15th February 2017


Lawrence Wilson

19th May 2016

“I feel stronger and the pain is gone”

Georgina Atandare

16th March 2016

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