Facet disease has several causes, but the primary reason that the condition develops is age. Aging is a normal process that we cannot control and, as we grow older, our bodily functions begin to change. These changes also apply to the functioning and overall health of the spinal components, such as the intervertebral discs, ligaments, vertebrae, and facet joints.

Facet disease, or spinal arthritis, is a condition that is characterized by the inflammation, stiffness, tenderness, and pain that can arise in the facet joints of the spine. The joints allow for the proper articulation of vertebrae, which in turn gives the spine its ability to move within many directional planes. The condition arises when the protective lining of cartilage – and sometimes the synovial membrane – that covers and protects each joint begins to wear away, revealing raw bone. This deterioration often develops as a result of age, since the spine is subjected to many years of stress-inducing movements over the years.

Additional Causes

While aging is the dominant cause of facet disease, other causes can also include:

– Traumatic injury – Injuries to the spine, such as vertebral fractures, or torn muscles or ligaments could lead to the development of facet disease, as the joints may have to work harder to compensate for lost stability elsewhere in the spine. Joint overcompensation may cause a faster breakdown of the cartilaginous lining.

– Obesity – Being overweight can put added stress on the spinal structures, particularly the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. Obesity often goes hand in hand with weak abdominal and back muscles, which can lead to an improperly supported and misaligned spine. The facet joints may attempt to operate while misaligned and end up working harder than normal. This could lead to the development of spinal arthritis.

– Overused joints – Athletes or individuals with labor-intensive occupations often spend many hours each day standing, bending, twisting, and lifting, movements which could make them more susceptible to the development of facet disease. Additionally, people who consistently exhibit poor posture – slouching and hunching shoulders while driving, sitting, or standing – may also experience facet disease as a result.

– Genetics – While genetics is one of the less common facet disease causes, it can often play a role in who develops the condition. A family history of arthritis could point to the possible development in a particular individual.

Joint degeneration can also be caused by other health conditions, such as a chronic illness, a compromised immune system, or infections.

Treatments

The symptoms that facet disease causes – pain, inflammation, stiffness, and tenderness – are often alleviated with several weeks or months worth of conservative (non-surgical) treatments, so surgery is rarely needed to treat the condition. A doctor will typically recommend that facet disease patients try a combination of conservative methods, such as rest, physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), facet joint injections, and low-impact exercise. Some patients also find pain relief with alternative treatments, which include chiropractic adjustments, massage, acupuncture, and the use of herbal supplements. If conservative and alternative treatments prove ineffective, only then will surgery become a treatment option.

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