Facet Syndrome

A dysfunction at the level of the posterior facet joints of the spine. These joints together with the disc form the intervertebral joint. Changes at the level of the posterior facet joints can influence the disc and vice versa.

The facet syndrome is a painful irritation of the posterior part of the spine. Swelling from the surrounding structures, can cause pain due to an irritation of the nerve roots.

Little capsular tears can originate at the level of the posterior facet joints due to a trauma. This can lead to a subluxation of the joint. The synovia that surrounds the joint is damaged and leads to a synovitis. Secondly a hypertonic contraction of the surrounding muscles present itself. This is a protection mechanism that increases the pain. These changes lead to a fibrosis and osteophyte formation.

The most common cause is repetitive micro trauma and as positive result of this chronic degeneration. In daily living this may occur with repetitive extension of the back. So mostly all movements with the arms above the head.

These recurring injuries can happen in sports were it is necessary to make repetitive powerful hyperextensions of the spine.

An irritation can also occur when the intervertebral disc is damaged and the biomechanics of the joint have changed. In this case the facet joints are exposed to a higher loading.