Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joint syndrome, otherwise known as facet joint disease or facet syndrome is an arthritic problem that distresses the facet joints in your spine. The facet joints are the parts where the vertebrae join together. They’re made to deliver strength, overall flexibility and spinal integrity, along with offering range of defined movement for each vertebral level. Actually, facet joints bond the vertebrae to one another and provide the overall flexibility for movement of every bone. The joint is encased by a capsule of ligaments and soft tissue and this capsule has synovial fluid that is needed to lubricate the facet joint. This mixture of cartilage, ligament and synovial fluid keeps the joint moving smoothly and effortlessly. In like manner, it prevents unwanted friction and bone on bone contact. There’s also a fair amount of nerve tissue that travels into all of these lubricating capsules.

Degeneration and deterioration of the facet joints is just a normal part of life, experienced universally, as we age. Beyond any doubt, this should come as no surprise that the whole human body degenerates as we age. Moreover, huge medical controversy does exist in relation to whether or not this really is a real problem unto itself or simply the byproduct of another underlying reason. Because the spinal facet joints are in continual movement, they are surely bound to suffer degeneration and deterioration. Degeneration and deterioration of these spinal facet joints develops when the cartilage wears down extremely thin and the synovial fluid begins to leak out and/or the joint starts drying out. Certainly, this causes extra friction in between the patient’s vertebra. The question is whether it’s unfavorable or excruciating?

An alternative place for pain and discomfort may stem from the actual bone on bone contact. Certainly, this is sensible since generally these bones aren’t meant to be in direct bone on bone contact with each other. In like manner, the protective measures included in the joint are built to avoid bone to bone contact. When it comes down to it, when contact results, there can be some pain and this pain seriously isn’t abnormal and to be expected.

Some minor arthritis pain is totally typical. In spite of this, numerous individuals have worn facet joints and suffer no pain and discomfort or symptoms at all. Not to mention, pain can occur if a bone spur generates a pinched nerve. Usually, this presents itself chiefly as a result of serious spinal osteoarthritis plus the buildup of osteophytes round the facet joints or foraminal openings.

Sorry to say, some aches and pains are normal as we age and they’re unavoidable. Nevertheless, severe facet joint pain is atypical. In conjunction with that, facet joint syndrome is only one of a number of pain and discomfort syndromes that can be blamed for any unexplained back pain and discomfort that seems to be resisting treatment. Ultimately, facet joint syndrome is a normal part of getting older and consequently if you think of it this way, you’re unlikely to experience serious signs or symptoms.