If you are experiencing pain in your back, chances are you have developed facet joint arthritis. This condition occurs when arthritis affects the joints in the spine, called facet joints. These joints support the spine and help it bend and twist. Usually, they slide over each other smoothly. But due to arthritis, the joints start to rub each other roughly, causing inflammation and pain. Timely intervention can stop its progression and prevent complications. Learn what causes facet joint arthritis and when you should see a specialist for facet joint arthritis in this article. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.
Causes and risk factors
Facet joint arthritis occurs from joint degeneration with age/time and due to pathological degenerative conditions. When facet joints are healthy, they slip over each other because they have a layer of smooth cartilage lubricated by synovial fluid. Over time, the lubricating fluid becomes thinner, and cartilage wears away, which causes the joints to rub against each other and become irritated, leading to facet joint pain. Sometimes, excessive bone growth at the joint around the facet is called bone spurs or osteophytes.
These changes cause inflammation within the joint, which may progress over time and cause lower back pain and stiffness. A degenerated facet may occur near a nerve root and cause sciatica; it causes similar pain to a lumbar herniated disc.
Other degenerative conditions may include:
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis:
Facet joint arthritis makes the vertebral joints weak, and these weak joints fail to offer enough support for the spinal motion segment. This slippage generally occurs from a progressive loss of cartilage, segmental instability between the vertebrae, and dislocation of the facets. The L4 and L5 vertebral segments are mostly affected by degenerative spondylolisthesis.
- Synovial facet joint cyst:
This type of arthritis can also lead to the development of a cyst (fluid-filled sac) within the facet joint’s synovial membrane. Synovial facet joint cysts can cause pressure to develop in the joint, which compresses nearby structures such as spinal nerve roots or the spinal cord, causing additional pain or dysfunction. In rare cases, it is caused by bacterial and inflammatory disorders that affect the facets, like septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Traumatic injuries of the Lumbar facets:
This occurs due to acute or repetitive trauma that causes breakage or displacements of the facets. Acute facet injury occurs due to direct trauma like motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Repetitive minor traumas occurring from work-related tasks to the facets, also lead to lower back pain. For example, manual labor that leads to bending, twisting, and lifting, or sports injuries. These injuries cause inflammation of the facet and its surrounding tissues, leading to back pain or leg pain.
This happens as you age, but certain factors increase this wear and tear of the joint, including:
- Chronic lower back injury due to repetitive overuse or microtrauma to the facets
- Family history of osteoarthritis
- Being overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms
The most common facet joint arthritis symptom is pain in the lower back, thoracic spine, or cervical spine. This pain can range in intensity and duration from a dull ache to chronic pain that makes it difficult to do daily activities. It often gets worse with physical activity and in the morning when you wake up. Other symptoms include:
- Low back pain that gets worse with twisting, standing, or bending backward.
- Low back pain that travels down from the buttocks to the back of the upper leg.
- Morning stiffness or stiffness when you sit for a longer time in a chair.
- Neck pain that travels to the shoulder, upper, or middle back.
- Muscle spasms.
- Persistent tenderness along with decreased movement.
When to go to a specialist
If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening back pain, especially with certain movements, you should see a specialist for facet arthropathy. You should also see a specialist if you have any of these symptoms:
- Persistent lower back pain that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter pain relievers or other conservative treatments like rest or physical therapy.
- Facet joint pain gets worse when you bend backward, rotate, and stand for prolonged periods or due to inactivity.
- Pain that occurs in the buttocks or even the knee, especially if spinal stenosis is also present.
Facet joint arthritis happens due to degeneration of cartilage, lubrication thinning, wear or tear of the joint, or repetitive strain or trauma. This causes pain and stiffness in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and legs. If this pain doesn’t get better with home remedies like rest, cold therapy, and over-the-counter medications, seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Need help with facet joint arthritis? Visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!! If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
