Most people haven’t heard of facet syndrome, unless they or someone they love has it. Facet syndrome (aka facet joint syndrome) is an arthritic condition of the joints of the vertebrae. Facets, by the way, are what join vertebrae together, providing stability and a person’s normal range of motion.
When a person experiences facet syndrome, they’ve typically got arthritic inflammation in the joints in the spine. A person’s facet joints are in near constant motion– so they can easily degenerate over time, and arthritis doesn’t help! Seniors are particularly prone to facet syndrome– it’s very common for people in their later years.
Did you know that facet joints are made of cartilage that’s lubricated by a fluid-filled capsule allowing the joints to slide smoothly over each other? When the fluid-filled capsule thins out and a person’s cartilage isn’t getting lubricated, joints rub against each other. Guess what happens? Joints react by becoming inflamed and irritated. Bone spurs may grow and nerve damage can occur. A person with facet syndrome feels the pain, and it’s bothersome.
Joint degeneration can happen thanks to good ol’ wear and tear– part of the natural process of aging. That said, other factors that could aggravate facet syndrome include leading a sedentary lifestyle, having poor posture, being overweight/obese, trauma (car accidents, falls, sports injuries), etc.
Facet syndrome can happen anywhere in the spine. Typically, it’s found in the neck and lower back. If you or someone you know might have facet syndrome, chiropractic care can help relieve the inflammation and pain.
In Forest Lake, MN, the place to go for chiropractic care is Lakewoods Chiropractic, located at 255 Highway 97, #2A, near Forest Lake Area High School. For questions about facet syndrome, or to make an appointment to be checked for it, please call 651-464-0800 or email [email protected].
Recent Comments