Osteoarthritis is quite common condition in fact it is the most common form of arthritis and is one of the cause of disability and pain of most individuals around the world. Symptoms of such condition include locking, stiffness, tenderness and joint pain. The cause is really unknown although some factors may play significant role like hereditary, mechanical and developmental which often starts the process that leads to the loss of cartilage (National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions).
The most common form of osteoarthritis is hip or knee osteoarthritis although other joints can also be affected like the facet joint. Facet joint osteoarthritis is quite a painful condition which can cause lost of motion in the back as well as stiffness. The facet joint is located at the back of the spine. With each pair of vertebrae there are two facet joints which connect the two vertebrae. If you look at it closely you will see that a facet joint consist of two bony knobs, this two knobs when they come together connect two vertebrae too. Articular cartilage covers the surface if the facet joint.
What is the Cause of Facet Joint Osteoarthritis?
When a breakdown of articular cartilage occurs then a facet joint osteoarthritis may develop. Past injuries or fractures may develop to facet joint osteoarthritis later on although the major cause for this condition is spinal degeneration which can happen gradually.
What are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Osteoarthritis?
Pain is the major symptom of Facet Joint Osteoarthritis. Nerve compression does not really happen with facet joint osteoarthritis but if a bone spur occurs at the edge of facet joint then it can press on the nerve which can cause muscle weakness, tingling and numbness.
How is the Condition Diagnosed?
Just like any other arthritic condition, diagnosis usually begins with the medical history of the patient, physical examination and imaging studies like X-ray. These images will usually show the degeneration of the spine as well as the facet joints. Your doctor may also do a diagnostic injection which makes use of a special dye to locate exactly where the pain is.
What is the Treatment Options of facet joints osteoarthritis?
Major purpose for treatment of facet joint osteoarthritis is to lessen the inflammation as well as pain. Rest is very important although rest should only be for a short period of time. To control the symptoms NSAIDs, doses of steroids and muscle relaxants are use.
Some exercises can help take off the pressure from the facet joints. Try to perform the exercise under the supervision of your physical therapist until you are capable of doing it on your own.
Surgery is seldom needed with this condition but if it is really necessary then you can discuss surgery options with your doctor. There are actually two procedures for facet joint osteoarthritis and that is the Facet rhizotomy and Fusion.