Facet Joint Disease

What Are the Causes of Facet Syndrome?

Causes of facet syndrome vary from person to person. But in most cases, the pain is caused by a breakdown or thinning of the cartilage on the facet joint. The wear and tear of the spine incurred as we age is one of the most common causes of facet joint disease. As the joints wear down and inflammation sets in, we are put at risk for problems such as bone spurs and facet arthritis, which can lead to facet joint disease.

Overuse and traumatic incidents are other common causes of facet joint disease. Repetitive trauma, accidents, injuries, poor posture, or work-related activities are also causes of facet joint disease. Gender, excess weight, and genes can also be facet joint syndrome causes. Men, for example, are more likely to develop facet joint disease before the age of 45, whereas women are more likely to develop the disease after menopause. In addition, some people are more inclined to facet joint diseases than others.

Moreover, other associated diseases can also lead to facet joint disease. In fact, facet joint disease or facet joint syndrome is not typically a disorder that develops by itself, but is often associated with another disorder or condition. Spondylolisthesis, for example, is one of the common spinal conditions linked to facet joint disease. Infections, diabetes, and various other forms of circulating arthritis or gout may also be facet joint disease causes.

Start practicing good posture and take walks to encourage blood flow while bringing oxygen and nutrients into the spine to help prevent these facet joint disease.

Prolonged sitting with the lumbar spine flexed and sedentary lifestyles are also considered facet joint syndrome causes because they increase the pressure on the discs.

How Can I Prevent Facet Disease?

Facet disease prevention is best accomplished through healthy lifestyle changes. Pressure and strain on your spine can speed up the degeneration process. Extra weight is sure to do this, as it forces your vertebrae and discs to work harder to support your body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is a great step towards spine health and preventing facet syndrome.

Are You a Candidate for Facet Joint Disease Surgery?

If non surgical cervical or lumbar facet joint disease treatment fails to reduce your pain and other symptoms, you may be a surgical candidate. Our simple 3 step candidacy checking tool can get you started on a path to recovery in just minutes.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process