What is Facet Joint Pain?
Facet joint pain results from lack of free motion from the gliding joints at the back of the spinal bones (vertebrae). There are facet joints in all three regions of the spinal column: the cervical region (neck), the thoracic (mid-back) and lumber region (lower back). The facets key function is to guide motion. Smooth, unrestricted motion is necessary to keep the facet joints healthy. Restricted motion for any reason will cause facet joint degeneration and pain. The facet joints are small joints, when compared with the larger joints like the knee, hip and shoulder, but they are similar to these larger joints in that they are lined with cartilage and coated with a lining of joint fluid, called synovial fluid. These joints are supplied by nerves, thus, when the joint is damaged or inflamed, it can produce pain.
Causes of Facet Joint Pain
The facet joints often become injured from trauma, such as falls, auto accidents, sports injuries and even “catching” yourself from slipping. The cartilage in the joints becomes damaged, and if not allowed to heal properly, chronic pain and joint degeneration can occur. Healing involves restoring proper motion, providing key nutrients, and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
Facet Pain Characteristics and Location
Facet pain is often a deep, dull ache. Facet joint pain can be localized or referred to other areas. Lumbar facets can refer pain into the buttocks, groin, hips, and thighs. Lumbar facets don’t often refer pain into the lower legs like lumbar disc pain can, but it can happen.
Diagnosis of Facet Joint Pain
In office orthopedic tests performed by a properly trained and experienced clinician can help differentiate facet pain from other origins of pain, including disc pain. Diagnostic imaging using X-rays, CT-scans or MRI can help diagnose facet joint pain origin.
Copyright © 2010 Douglas Husbands, DC. All rights reserved.
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