Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome also known as facet joint disease and facet syndrome, is a common cause of back and neck pain, as the joints in the posterior spine degenerate. The condition is often associated with degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis. Facet joint is the common name while the actual term is zygapophyseal joints or Z-joints.

The spine is composed of spinal bones, called vertebrae. These vertebrae stack on top of the other to create the spinal column. In between each vertebrae, there is a pair of facet joints found on the posterior, backside of the spinal column. The two bony knobs form the joint that connects the vertebrae and prevent them from slipping over the one below, which is called spondylolisthesis. The facet joints sit in between the intervertebral discs.

The facet joints help to stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. They function like other joints in the body such as the knee or hip and are covered with articular cartilage to allow for fluid motion. Each joint is surrounded by a capsule giving lubrication to the joint to aid in smooth twisting and bending without friction. With each facet joint there are numerous tiny nerve fibers. These nerves can cause painful muscle spasms when the joints become injured or irritated.

With age and spinal degeneration or an injury, the cushion around the joint can wear down causing pain. The discomfort is typically felt near the injured area, as well as referred pain and is exasperated when added pressure is placed on the affected area with a bend to the side or bending backwards. This pain and problem is called facet syndrome.

Treatment can range from conservative lifestyle changes to a more lasting and complete option with non-surgical IDD Therapy®. Call Allied Healthcare Clinics at 770-460-1911 for a free consultation with Dr. Thomas. If you think you have facet syndrome or another related condition, Dr. Thomas can explain what IDD Therapy® and Dr. Thomas ' related muscle management techniques can do to improve your condition.

For the best available treatment for facet syndrome, click on IDD Therapy® , a non-surgical process that decompresses the spine, allowing healing in the discs that have become compressed.

• Cervical Facet Syndrome
• Lumbar Facet Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome Topics

Facet Joint Syndrome Symptoms

• Deep achy pain in the neck or lower back
• Headaches or difficulty rotating the head
• Lower back, thigh or buttocks region discomfort
• Difficulty standing up straight
• Worsen with prolonged sitting or standing

Facet Joint Syndrome Causes

• Age and natural degeneration
• Osteoarthritis
• Injury or trauma
• Postural with biomechanical complications that add stress on the facets or strain from being overweight

Facet Syndrome Treatment

• IDD Therapy®
• Heat / Cold Therapy
• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Therapeutic Massage
• Surgery for Facet Syndrome

For clinically proven, non-surgical facet pain relief call today for a FREE consultation on IDD Therapy® with Allied Healthcare, 770-460-1911 or contact us.