Facet Joint Syndrome

• Degenerative Changes: Natural wear and tear over time can lead to cartilage breakdown within the facet joints
• Osteoarthritis: The most prevalent cause, leading to joint inflammation and bone spur formation
• Spinal Injuries: Trauma from accidents or falls can damage the facet joints
• Poor Posture and Repetitive Movements: Chronic strain from activities like heavy lifting or prolonged sitting
• Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on spinal joints

• Localized Pain: A dull ache in the neck or lower back, often worsening with movement
• Radiating Discomfort: Pain may extend to the shoulders, buttocks, or thighs
• Stiffness: Reduced flexibility, especially after periods of inactivity
• Muscle Spasms: Involuntary contractions around the affected joints
• Numbness or Tingling: If nerve roots are compressed by bone spurs

Management of Facet Joint Syndrome focuses on relieving pain and improving function:

• Medications: NSAIDs and muscle relaxants to reduce inflammation and discomfort
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and enhance flexibility
• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management and ergonomic adjustments to reduce spinal stress
• Facet Joint Injections: Steroid injections to alleviate inflammation and provide temporary relief
• Radiofrequency Ablation: A procedure that uses heat to disrupt nerve signals from the affected joints, offering longer-term pain relief
• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, procedures like spinal fusion may be considered

• Persistent neck or back pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain that radiates to the limbs or causes numbness
• Difficulty performing daily activities due to spinal discomfort

Early intervention can prevent further joint degeneration and improve quality of life.