Facet Syndrome

A facet is a small joint located between two adjacent vertebrae of the spine. Facet syndrome is a condition characterised by irritation of the nerve roots at the sites where they exit from the spinal canal. The irritation is mechanical in nature and is generally induced by degenerative processes (wear and tear). It is therefore a problem that mainly affects patients over the age of 40. The erosion-related degenerative changes (arthritis) result in narrowing in the region of the spinal nerve roots and pain, which may also radiate to adjacent regions.

After the clinical examination, your doctor will order an X-ray in order to establish the diagnosis. X-rays are used to assess for degenerative changes, such as reduced height in the intervertebral regions and deterioration (arthritis) of the facet joints. In addition, MRI studies may also be performed.

Pain relief is the foremost priority of treatment. Medications to reduce inflammation, massages and heat treatments are prescribed in an attempt to control the pain. Should these measures fail to achieve any significant improvement of symptoms, therapeutic agents can be injected directly into the facet joints.

Facet injections:
In facet injections, a local anaesthetic and a cortisone-type drug are injected directly into the facet joints. The local anaesthetic has an immediate pain-relieving effect, and the cortisone serves to reduce inflammation.
Once the pain and inflammation are under control, it is extremely important to start physiotherapy to strengthen and build up the back muscles.