Facet Syndrome Injury

Facet Syndrome Injury

Facet syndrome is a common cause of back pain. A severe episode of Facet joint pain may be due to sudden movement, which traumatises the joint. More commonly, Facet pain, or Facet Syndrome is chronic in nature - that is, the underlying cause is due to long term changes in the Facet joint that are often associated with degenerative disc disease.

The Facet joints are situated at the back of the spine, with one on either side of the spinal column. Typically with Facet joint pain there is back pain just to one side of the spine. This is normally made worse by side bending toward the affected side or extending the spine (backward bending). The back will generally feel stiff in the morning, although with longstanding Facet Syndrome there may be constant back pain.

Diagnosis of Facet Syndrome usually requires an x-ray of the spine. In the case of a severe episode of Facet joint pain, rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed by a doctor, and postural correction with a Chartered Physiotherapist should be adequate. Chronic back pain due to Facet Syndrome may require an injection into the Facet joint or even surgery to cure the problem.

Common Facet Syndrome signs & symptoms:

• Back pain that is worse when bending back.
• Back pain when sitting.
• Back pain when bending towards the affected side.