By Patrick Foote

Facet disease, or spinal arthritis, is the degeneration, inflammation, swelling, and/or stiffening of joints within the spine. Although facet disease causes are not completely understood, the condition is believed to be associated with the aging process and genetics.

The joints of the spine, known as facet joints, begin to wear down over time. The cartilage that coats the joints becomes thinner with use, and the exposed vertebral joint surfaces can begin to grate against one another. The resulting grinding or popping sound is known as crepitus. This grinding can irritate the nerve endings inside the joint, which can produce an aching sensation and stiffness within the bones.

Eventually, joint deterioration can lead to the production of osteophytes (bone spurs), which are the body’s spontaneous response to bone-on-bone friction and diminished spinal stability. Because the spinal cord and nerve roots exist in a relatively small space, the slightest change in the spinal anatomy (such as the growth of bone spurs) can lead to nerve compression. Compressed or irritated nerve tissue can produce localized pain, radiating pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. Symptoms do not always occur in conjunction with the early stages of facet disease, but nerve compression becomes more and more likely the longer the condition is present.

Spinal Arthritis Risk Factors

While facet disease causes are sometimes difficult to determine, there are several risk factors that could contribute to the development of arthritis in one of its many forms. These risk factors include:

— Age – people 50 or older are more likely to develop spinal arthritis. In addition, women are more likely to develop the condition than men before the age of 60. After 60, the likelihood of facet disease development is essentially equal in men and women.

— Overused joints – this can occur through repetitive lifting, bending or twisting, as well as constantly slouching while seated at a desk or driving. A person with a job that requires strenuous activity would be more susceptible to developing facet disease.

— Injury or trauma to bones – whiplash, compression fracture, or other kinds of injuries can hasten the degradation of joints.

— Obesity – excess body weight places more stress on the joints.

— Genetics – inherited traits can increase one’s chances of developing arthritis.

— Other conditions – decreased blood supply, chronic illness, infection, or a diminished immune system can contribute to joint degeneration.

Facet Disease Treatment

There is no known cure for facet disease. However, there is always hope that a patient can manage pain and other symptoms in such a way that quality of life can be maintained. Treatment typically begins with a regimen of conservative methods, including pain medication, corticosteroid injections, lifestyle modification, exercise, and physical therapy. If chronic symptoms persist after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option. Open back surgery is an attempt to alleviate pain and other symptoms through the removal of a large portion of the spinal anatomy, followed by spinal fusion.

Another potential option is minimally invasive spine surgery, performed with the use of the same type of endoscopic technology that has produced a profound improvement in the success of arthroscopic knee surgeries over the past two decades. A patient should always research all surgical options carefully, starting with a conversation with his or her doctor.

About the Author: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for

facet disease

and several other spinal conditions.

Source:

isnare.com

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