Facet Syndrome

Do you find that your back starts to hurt when you are sitting down for a prolonged period of time? Do you experience back pain when you bend backwards? Do you find that your pain begins to go away when you bend forwards?

If you find that this is happening to you, you may be experiencing "Facet Syndrome". Facet Syndrome is caused when the joint of the back or neck (which are responsible for spinal movement) begin to rub together and become inflamed due to moderate to advanced arthritis of the spine.

In a normal healthy spine, the joints are separated by a relatively large space, however through arthritic conditions when the intervertebral discs (i.e. the shock absorbing discs between each vertebrae) begin to thin or decay, the space between the joints close up and the joints start to rub together causing back pain. As the problem get progressively worse, the bones of the spine can press on the spinal nerve causing severe pain shooting down your legs (i.e. sciatica).

Arthritic changes to the spine can be a result of repetitive strain/abuse, injuries (e.g. car accidents, falls, sports injuries, etc.), and poor posture. Of course there are many reasons for the development of arthritis of the spine. But if you are presently suffering with Facet Syndrome, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and addressed early and properly.

How do you know you are suffering from Facet Syndrome?

Of course the best way to find out is via imaging such as an X-Ray. But physical finding can also aid in the determination of Facet Syndrome.

Some signs to look for…
1-Pain with prolonged sitting.
2-Pain with bending your spine backwards.
3-Pain can be relieved from bending forwards.
4-Pain can be relieved with movement (depends on severity of the damage).
5-Pain can be achy or sharp and can be felt at the center to 2 inches off center.