Facet disease in the back, also known as spinal osteoarthritis, is the deterioration of the cartilage that lines the joints where vertebrae meet and articulate. Osteoarthritis can occur at any level of the spine, but is most common within the lumbar (lower back) region. The probable reason for this is because the vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, and other anatomical components of the lower back are subjected to a wide range of stress-inducing movement and are responsible for bearing most of the weight of the upper body. This added strain can cause soft tissues (such as the cartilage) to degenerate faster over the years.

As cartilage lining a facet joint deteriorates, the stability of the spine can become compromised. The body responds to this diminished stability and increased friction by producing smooth, bony growths called osteophytes (bone spurs). Osteophytes are not symptomatic unless they come into contact with sensitive tissue such as a nerve root or the spinal cord itself. When located in the lower back, bone spur compression of nerves can produce localized or radiating pain, as well as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the lower extremities.

Another way diminished cartilage within a facet joint affects spinal stability is that it can lead to excess pressure applied to an intervertebral disc. The discs are sponge-like cushions that serve as shock absorbers in between the vertebrae. If the joints erode, they lose their ability to support the vertebrae, placing greater stress on the discs. Excess pressure might force the outer wall of a disc out of its normal boundary (a condition known as a bulging disc), or force the gel-like inner material out of the disc’s nucleus through a tear in the outer wall (known as a herniated disc). Like bone spurs, these abnormalities threaten the integrity of the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots.

How Likely Are You To Develop Osteoarthritis?

If you want to gauge your potential to develop facet disease in the back, consider whether the following risk factors apply to you:

– Age – people 50 or older are more likely to develop arthritis.

– Overused joints – this can occur through repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting, as well as constantly slouching while seated at a desk or driving.

– Injury or trauma to bones – whiplash, compression fracture, or other kinds of injuries can hasten the deterioration of joints.

– Obesity – excess body weight places more stress on the joints.

– Genetics – if a parent or grandparent had osteoarthritis, you are more likely to develop it.

– Gender – women are twice as likely to develop arthritis.

– Other conditions – decreased blood supply, poor nutrition, chronic illness, infection, or a diminished immune system can contribute to joint deterioration.

Treatment for Facet Disease in the Back

Although there is no known cure for facet disease, its associated symptoms usually can be managed using a regimen of conservative treatment methods, including pain medication, physical therapy, exercise, corticosteroid injections, behavior modification, and others. If chronic symptoms persist despite several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option. There are two main options for facet disease surgery. One is a facetectomy, which is the complete removal of the facet joint, performed in conjunction with spinal fusion. The other is a facet rhizotomy or a facet thermal ablation, which is the deadening of the nerve ending in a facet joint through the use of a heat source, often a laser. A patient should never consent to spine surgery of any kind without educating himself or herself about the spinal anatomy, in general, and his or her specific condition.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for facet disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Facet disease