Facet Joint Arthropathy
Cervical Facet Joint Arthropathy
Facet arthropathy is a spine-related degenerative disorder. The spine is made up of vertebral segments that go along the spinal column. Two facet joints are located between each vertebra. The facet joints on the back of the spine help the vertebrae line up and control motion. Facet joints consist of two bony surfaces that are lubricated by synovial fluid and cushioned by cartilage. Facet arthropathy is a painful condition that develops when the facet joints start to deteriorate, putting strain on the spinal cord.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Facet arthropathy signs and symptoms include:
Pain as one of the most prevalent and obvious signs of facet arthropathy. Facet arthropathy pain has the following characteristics:
- Pain that gets worse after rest or sleep
- Lower back ache that gets worse when bending backward, standing, and twisting
- Pain that is localized to a single spine region
- A dull pain on one or both lower back sides
- Facet arthropathy pain normally does not radiate down the legs, in contrast to the pain brought on by sciatica or a slipped disc
- Development of other diseases such as spinal stenosis and bone spurs
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES & RISK FACTORS?
The condition is primarily caused by aging. Facet arthropathy may be brought on by a number of factors, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Joint cartilage degeneration
- Degeneration of the facet joints from wear and tear
- Direct trauma to the joint
- A fluid-filled sac that appears on the spine as a sign of aging is known as a synovial cyst
- Inflammation caused by facet joint wear and tear