Treatmentįacet joint arthritis is first treated conservatively with rest, ice, heat, anti- inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. If the lower (lumbar) spine is affected, pain may be felt in the lower back, buttocks and back of the thigh. The person may also experience headaches. If the upper (cervical) spine is affected, pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, and upper or middle back. Pain from facet joint syndrome differs depending on which region of the spine is damaged. The vertebral bones rub directly against each other, which can lead to the growth of bone spurs along the edges of the facet joints. The cartilage that covers the stressed facet joints gradually wears away. This damage can occur from everyday wear and tear, injury to the back or neck or because of degeneration of an intervertebral disc. Joint Damageįacet joint syndrome occurs when the facet joints become stressed and damaged. The facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to bend and twist. This condition is a deterioration of the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. Lying down relieves pressure on the spine. Bending, twisting and sitting may make the pain worse. Some people experience pain, numbness or tingling in the legs. If these spurs grow into the spinal canal, they may pinch the spinal cord and nerves (a condition called spinal stenosis). In time, this awkward positioning of the vertebrae may create bone spurs. This improper alignment causes the facet joints - the areas where the vertebral bones touch - to twist into an unnatural position. The vertebrae above and below this damaged disc slide closer together. Unable to act as a cushion, the nucleus collapses.
This center is called the pulposus, and its water content is needed to keep the disc functioning as a shock absorber for the spine. Over time, the nucleus (center) of the disc becomes damaged and loses some of its water content. If the back is repeatedly injured, the process of tearing and scarring may continue, weakening the disc wall. The tears heal, creating scar tissue that is not as strong as the original disc wall. Disc Wall Tearsĭegenerative disc disease generally begins when small tears appear in the disc wall, called the annulus. This condition can develop as a natural part of the aging process, but it may also result from injury to the back. This condition is a weakening of one or more vertebral discs, which normally act as a cushion between the vertebrae.
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