Facet Joint Syndrome: The Causes and Symptoms

Human facet joints are flexible links between the spinal vertebrae. They have cartilage that allows them to twist and bend with ease. Healthy facet joints will enable you to move around easily. There are two joints between every vertebra. One faces upwards, and the other one faces downwards. They are covered with fluid and smooth ligaments. Facet joint syndrome in Shrewsbury is a common problem, but luckily, many specialists can address it. It occurs when the facet joints degenerate and enlarge. If you or your loved one in Shrewsbury have facet joint syndrome, here are a few things to know:

What Are the Causes? 

The cause of facet joint syndrome generally depends on the affected part of the spine. If you experience pain in the lower back, old age is the most probable cause. 

  • Aging

As you grow older, your body changes as well. Facet joints are filled with fluid. As you grow older, the structures around them wear down from prolonged strain and activity. Age changes disc hydration and affects the normal alignment of facet joints. The malalignment and deterioration cause lower back pain. This explains why facet joint syndrome mostly coexists with spondylosis and other disc degeneration disorders. 

  • Injury

Trauma from falls, car accidents, and high-impact sports can cause hypertrophy. It can eventually cause facet joint syndrome. 

  • Pressure Changes

The degeneration of your intervertebral discs may eventually cause pressure changes in your spine. When the discs degenerate, they may collapse hence narrowing the spaces between the vertebrae. They may affect your posture and worsen your pain. 

The Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome

The severity of your symptoms will vary depending on the extent of your facet joint degeneration. Here are the most common symptoms:

  • Pain and inflammation, especially around your neck and lower back.
  • Difficulty bending or twisting your spine. Specific movements may exasperate the pain, hence making it challenging to lead a normal life. 
  • Numbness, pain, muscle weakness, and a tingling sensation, especially when the edge of a facet joint rubs against a nerve.
  • Tenderness in certain parts of the spine. This happens in response to inflammation in muscles and nerves.

The symptoms of facet joint syndrome affect various parts of the body differently. They manifest depending on the spinal nerves that were irritated. 

  • If you experience pain towards the middle of your back, it may indicate Thoracic Facet Joint Syndrome.
  • If you have Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome, you may experience stiffness or pain in your neck, especially when you try to turn it.
  • Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome often manifests as stiffness or pain in your lower back. You may have trouble maintaining a straight posture or even standing up from a chair.

Facet joint syndrome affects people differently. However, most patients have chronic pain in different parts of the spine. This includes the area from your neck to your lower back. If you suspect that you may have it, seek the help of a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, they may prescribe various therapies to restore your health.