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Facet syndrome

Facet syndrome – What is it exactly?

Facet syndrome occurs at the joints located between each vertebra. In principle, it is a sign of wear and tear, also known as vertebral joint arthrosis. If the facet syndrome occurs in the lumbar spine, it is a lumbar facet syndrome. But, what actually is a facet joint?

Facet joints are the small vertebral joints that perform an important function as a link in the cervical and lumbar spine. The connection is made at the articular processes of two vertebral bodies. In facet syndrome, due to wear and tear of the intervertebral discs with a reduction in height, there is a reduction in the distance between the individual joint bodies. The result can be increased wear of the joints with arthrosis or, for example, increased production of synovial fluid, which can lead to cysts on the facet joints.

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Table of Contents:

What causes can trigger facet syndrome?

What causes can trigger facet syndrome?

Wear and tear, which occurs in the vertebral joints, is one of the main causes of facet joint syndrome. However, there are other triggers that can cause facet syndrome, such as:

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Damage to intervertebral discs
Arthritis
proliferation of connective tissue (formation of so-called ganglia)

A genetic disposition is very rare in facet syndrome, and tumors are also behind it only in very few cases. It is important that the diagnosis of facet syndrome is carried out extremely thoroughly in order to be able to exclude other diseases.

Facet syndrome symptoms – how do they manifest?

The symptoms of facet syndrome can be very different and can also indicate other diseases. Back pain represents one of the main symptoms, which can occur only on one side or equally on both sides. In most cases, the symptoms worsen during the day, which is related to the constant load on the spine. At night, the pain usually disappears again, as there is short-term relief of the lumbar and cervical spine under rest. Other symptoms that may indicate facet syndrome:

discomfort in the area of the hip or groin
Cramps or pain in the legs (diffuse)
pain increases with strain or hyperextension of the spine

These are all factors that are thought to cause disc herniation symptoms. With facet syndrome, you may also experience little to no pain. Pain is only evident during exertion.

What is the diagnosis of facet syndrome?

When diagnosing facet syndrome, the first step is a physical examination, during which the spine (intervertebral discs and also cervical vertebrae) is palpated, for example. This examination is important because facet syndrome can be confused with other back conditions. Among other things, it is checked whether the pain increases when the patient is bent backwards or whether the lumbar spine is restricted in its mobility. Other, diagnostic procedures that can be used when facet syndrome is suspected:

X-ray functional examination

A computed tomography scan or MRI may also be done to diagnose facet syndrome. These two procedures provide an accurate view into the spinal canal and can also reveal other conditions, such as spinal stenosis, scoliosis or a herniated disc. Another procedure is diagnostic facet injection, which is used to find the cause.

How can facet syndrome be treated?

As a rule, facet syndrome can be treated with conservative measures. Medicinal pain therapy is an option, for example, and special pain patches can also be used. There are also many treatment methods in the field of physical pain therapy. Thus, very good results can be achieved with current or heat therapy. Other therapeutic measures for facet syndrome:

Spinemed: A particularly gentle therapy (distraletion of the spine) with a built-in biofeedback mechanism.
special relieving support girdles
Physiotherapy and physical therapy
Infiltration therapy: Using a drug cocktail of prednisolone, anesthetic and hyaluronic acid on the facets

Particularly good results can be achieved with a therapeutic facet injection. A decisive advantage of this therapy is that the diseased vertebral joints can be treated specifically. A combination of anesthetic and cortisone or hyaluronic acid is injected. The pain and inflammation are relieved in the vertebral joints.

If conservative measures are ineffective, minimally invasive surgery can also be performed. In a facet coagulation procedure, a special electrode is passed directly to the affected joint. As a result, electrical pulses cause heat to build up. The goal is to obliterate the responsible nerves and thus stop the pain. A particularly gentle therapy is Lumbo Cooled (Synergy Probe).

Can facet syndrome also be prevented?

As with many other back conditions or diseases, adequate exercise is important to prevent facet syndrome. Strengthened muscles are important to be able to prevent spondylolisthesis or facet syndrome. Sports that can be done include Nordic walking, flexibar, pull-ups, swimming, or even cycling.

An ideal sport to prevent facet syndrome or to alleviate pain in case of an existing one is aqua gymnastics. The special fitness exercises in the water challenge your body without straining it. Your weight is carried by the water, so to speak, which makes this sport ideal even for overweight people. More tips to prevent facet syndrome:

Back school to build up and strengthen the back muscles
back-friendly sitting with special cushions or chairs
Drink plenty of fluids to support the regeneration of the intervertebral disc during the night

You should incorporate more exercise into your daily routine and avoid long periods of rest. Especially with sedentary jobs, even a short period of movement can have a preventive effect and strengthen your back. If you are overweight, weight reduction can also have a preventive effect. We will be happy to give you more tips on how to prevent facet syndrome and explain the exact course of treatment at our Orthopedic Center Munich East.

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