Facet Joint Syndrome

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What is Facet Joint Syndrome?

The facet joints connect the bones of the spine. The nerve roots then pass through these joints into the hands, legs and different parts of the body.These joints enable the spine to bend and twist, and they keep the back from slipping too far ahead or twisting without limits. Like the knee joint, they have cartilage to enable smooth motion in which two bones meet. The joints tend to be lined with the synovium and have lubricating joint fluid.These joints may get inflamed because of injury or joint disease causing pain. If the suffering joint is in the neck, it may trigger headaches and difficulty moving the head. If the problem is in the back, it will cause discomfort in the lower back, buttocks or thighs.Symptoms –

Men and women with this condition usually complain that they have to turn their complete body to look to the left or right. The discomfort and tightness associated with this condition can prepare it difficult to stand up directly or get out of a chair. The patient may walk in a hunched over manner. The particular symptoms are determined by the the specific joint and where it is located.

If the facet joint becomes too inflamed and enlarged, it may block the openings through which the nerve roots pass, causing a pinched nerve. This condition is labeled facet hypertrophy.

Treatment –

A shot of steroids into the facet joints can assist soothe discomfort for a long period of time and help reduce swelling. Different conventional ways consist of anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy or the or using braces.

For long-term relief and in a bit more extreme instances, cutting the anterior or posterior spinal nerve roots may be done. Different surgical interventions could be effective in alleviating problems.