Causes of Lumbar Facet Syndrome in Beverly Hills
As people age, the facet joints and discs wear out and degenerate, causing changes that interfere with the normal structure and function of the spine. Spine degeneration is a common aging process, and spinal arthritis may not cause major problems. That being said, some people experience severe low back pain from arthritic facet joints. This painful degenerative spinal condition is referred to as spondylosis, facet disease or facet pain.
Facet syndrome can affect the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and middle back), or lumbar spine (lower back). As the discs separating vertebrae shrink (with age or trauma), it places greater forces on the facet joints in the back of the spine causing the bones to rub against each other during spinal movement. This contributes to the changes in the structure and function of the joints.
The facet joints can also cause significant pain without any evidence of degeneration. Often times this is due to inflammation of the facet joint (spondylitis) or a facet joint sprain caused by trauma to joint due to rapid movements of the spine that can occur in accidents or sports injuries.
In cases of trauma, the sudden movement from, for example, a car accident or football tackle can cause the joints to smash against one another. These injuries lead to damage and swelling of the facet joints that is often not detected even on advanced imaging.
Symptoms of Lumbar Facet Syndrome
- Low back pain
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Pain with leaning back/twisting motions
- Pain with standing for long periods
- Pain that radiates to the back of the thighs or buttocks
- Pain with getting up from a seated position