Facet Joint Syndrome, Sounds Bad But Is It Really That Bad?
Facet joint syndrome, is most commonly compared to a form of arthritis. Facet joints are found in the spine. Like other forms of arthritis it is a breakdown of the fluids or cartilage surrounding the joint thus giving the effect of bone on bone movement which causes pain in the joint. Much like a hinge on a door it requires lubrication to keep the hinge operating with ease of movement and without drag. A combination of cartilage, synovial fluid, and ligaments surround the joint, and keep it moving effortlessly. Nerve tissue also runs into the lubricating fluids.
As we get older the spine tends to have some form of degeneration thus making facet joint syndrome more common. A normal part of life is our whole body to degenerate as we get older. Facet joints are in constant motion so degenration of the joints is bound to occur.
Along with getting older and the constant movement of the facet joints, the synovial fluids leak out in the sack that holds the fluids will dry up giving you the symptoms of common arthritis. Just like arthritis in your hands if you crack your knuckles, the fluids that lubricate your joints in the hands will tear the sack that holds the fluid, it will leak out and then you will start to have athritis pain.
If you think of facet syndrome as a normal part of aging there is a good possibility you will not suffer from chronic symtoms. There is a lot of controversy as to the validity of this being an actual syndrome or from other causes. Serious pain associated with facet joint syndrome are rarely diagnosed. It is mainly attributed to the normal wear and tear of our bodies as we get older. There is very little you can do to avoid this from happening, Many people lead a very normal life and with little or no pain due to facet joint syndrome.
April 15, 2009
9:20 am
After reading this article, I just feel that I need more info. Could you share some more resources please?