Spinal facet disease is a common cause of neck pain and can cause pain at any level of the spine. Also called facet joint syndrome, it occurs when the facet joints along your spine become injured, inflamed, swollen or when the cartilage around the joints begins to weaken. This syndrome generally starts as an aching sensation in your neck or back that weakens and then slowly returns. The pain may also increase and last longer over time. You might start losing flexibility and the ability to stretch. You might also notice that turning your back increases the pain. This is a minimally invasive, regenerative medicine therapy procedure that can assist in healing facet joint syndrome – and in the end, could help with your back pain.
The spinal facet joints are located on both sides of the back of each spinal segment and connect each spinal level. They are in control for stabilizing the vertebral bodies and offsetting the intervertebral discs. The facets can be hurt during acute trauma, often seen as injuries such as whiplash or sports accidents. The exteriors of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage and inclined to chronic degenerative arthritis. Degenerative diseases like arthritis are usually the root cause of facet joint syndrome. Chronic degenerative arthritis develops over time when the thin layer of cartilage covering the facet joints starts breaking down and weakening. Without the protective cushion of the cartilage, the vertebrae will begin grinding against itself, which is generally the cause of back and neck aches.
Another common cause of facet joint syndrome is trauma or injury and it is common for Those who have been in car accidents or play sports to experience this syndrome after a while. Athletes in high-contact sports such as football and rugby, or those who perform in dance or gymnastics are at risk of developing facet joint syndrome. It is commonly known that physically demanding sports put a lot of tension or pressure on your back. Athletes should pay extra attention to proper technique and body positioning.
