When the spinal facet joints break down, pain, swelling and tenderness can result. This condition is known as facet disease (spinal osteoarthritis). The following facet disease overview will help you understand the causes, symptoms and treatments related to this degenerative condition. If chronic pain has put your life on hold, using this information in partnership with your primary care doctor may help you get back to the life you’ve been missing.

Facet disease causes

Facet joints are part of the vertebrae and flex behind and between each segment to give motion and flexibility to the spine. Everyday activity, up to a million turning motions each year, can cause these joints and their underlying layers of cartilage to break down. The main cause of this is aging and it happens to everyone to some degree.

In addition to general wear and aging, the main causes of facet disease include poor posture, genetics, traumatic injury and weight. Spondylolisthesis, a condition where a vertebra slips forward in relation to the one below it, can also result in facet disease. To learn more about why facet joints are prone to breakdown and injury, review our degenerative facet joints page.

Symptoms of facet disease

Facet disease symptoms can be similar to other problems like strained muscles, stress fractures and slipped discs, so self-diagnosis is not recommended. Symptoms that are specific to degeneration of spinal joints include:

• Inflammation
• Lower back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Swelling
• Joint or muscle stiffness

These symptoms are typically associated with activities such as bending, twisting, lifting or even sitting for prolonged periods of time or looking at the computer screen.

Facet disease treatments

If, after reading this facet disease overview, you think your neck or back pain may be from this condition, reach out to your healthcare provider. He or she can make a proper diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment that is best for you. For an in-depth look at treatment options, review our facet disease treatments page.

While many patients are able to find acceptable relief and resume normal activities through conservative treatments, sometimes symptoms remain after weeks or months of therapy. If you are considering surgery but are concerned about some of the risks and difficulties involved, contact USA Spine Care.

Our minimally invasive approach to spine surgery is a safer and effective alternative to traditional open back surgery with a shorter recovery period.^ Our surgeons use smaller incisions that spare important supporting muscles to treat the symptoms of facet disease and get you back to your daily routine.

Since 2005, USA Spine Care has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain, setting us apart as the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Reach out to our dedicated team today for a no-cost MRI review* to see if you’re a potential candidate for our outpatient procedures.

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