Facet Joint Disease

animation of facet joint disease

What is Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet syndrome, sometimes referred to as facet disease, is a condition that affects the facet joints as they degenerate from years of wear and tear. The facet joints are part of the connection between two adjacent vertebras. Because the facet joints are almost constantly in motion, they simply degenerate from wear and tear over time as we age. This is why facet disease is more commonly found in the elderly.

With age related natural wear and tear of the spine, facet disease develops as the spinal discs become thinner, placing more stress on the facet joints. The increased stress causes inflammation and formation of bone spurs leading to arthritis of the facet joint, or facet syndrome. The development of arthritic joints` can produce considerable pain with motion. This condition may be referred to as facet joint disease, facet joint syndrome, facet disease, or facet syndrome.

Note From Dr. Liu good posture combined with maintaining a healthy weight are vital to ensuring a healthy spine.

As facet disease develops, muscle spasms may occur as protective reflex responses. In conjunction with the development of facet disease, powerful muscle spasms will force the spine out of alignment. Thus, treating facet syndrome will involve relaxing the spastic muscles.

HEALTHY FACET JOINT Image of a healthy facet joint

FACET JOINT DISEASE Image of a facet joint disease

Are you suffering from Facet Joint Disease?

To help determine what stage of facet joint disease you are at, we offer a very simple 3 step process that will help provide you the answers you need to make the most informed decision you can on what treatment is best for you.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process