What is facet joint arthropathy?

Facet joint arthropathy is arthritis that affects the spine’s facet joints. The facet joints connect each vertebra to another and help support the spine and enable the ability to twist and bend. Healthy facet joints slide smoothly while damaged or arthritic facet joints rub together causing inflammation resulting in pain. This condition is also referred to as facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) or facet syndrome, facet joint syndrome, or facet arthritis.

FJOA may develop anywhere throughout the spine from the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region, and may develop in more than one spinal region.

There are several ways to classify FJOA including:

• Bilateral when both sides of the joint are worn.
• Degenerative when degenerative arthritis has formed.
• Hypertrophic when the affected joints are enlarged.

How does facet arthropathy develop?

Most adults will develop facet joint arthropathy at some point in life because it develops due to wear and tear on the spine, which occurs as you age. Healthy facet joints contain a smooth cartilage layer lubricated by synovial fluid. But as this fluid dries up, the cartilage wears thin until it eventually wears away entirely, causing the facet joints to rub against one another. Other causes of facet arthropathy could be related to an injury, degenerative disc disease, hereditary arthritis, poor posture, being overweight or obese, repetitive movements like bending and twisting, as well as living a sedentary lifestyle.

Certain spine conditions can worsen facet arthropathy or increase pain, including:

• Osteophytes (bone spurs of the spine)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)
• Disc degeneration
• Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms of Facet Arthropathy

It’s important to note that not all cases of facet arthropathy experience pain, although chronic neck or back pain could be a sign of this degenerative condition. Pain may range from dull and achy to severe pain that inhibits one’s ability to perform daily activities.

Specific symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Difficulty turning the head
• Muscle spasms in the neck or back
• Feeling stiffness in the back when getting out of bed or up from a sitting position
• Radiating pain from the neck, shoulders, or thoracic region (middle) of the back
• Low back pain when twisting, standing, or bending backward or that radiates to the buttocks and backs of the legs

Treatment for Facet Arthropathy

At Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) we offer minimally invasive treatments for chronic neck or back pain. In cases of facet arthropathy, common and effective treatments include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in which nerves in the targeted area are intentionally destroyed using heat, preventing pain signals from being sent to the brain.

Injection therapy can also provide pain relief for facet arthropathy. Injections contain a corticosteroid and/or an anesthetic that is injected into the targeted area to reduce inflammation and pain. These injections are often referred to as epidural steroid injections.

Spinal cord stimulators may also provide pain relief from degenerative conditions of the spine. During this procedure, an FDA-approved device is implanted into the targeted area that delivers low voltage electricity to stimulate the spinal cord. The device works similarly to a TENS unit that is used outside the body and is described as a mild tingling feeling but should not be uncomfortable. This implanted device is operable by a Bluetooth remote that is controlled by the patient at any time.

Other minimally invasive treatments may be available at MSSP to help ease chronic pain associated with facet arthropathy of the spine. A thorough examination and imaging will help determine which treatment is right for you.

Treating Facet Arthropathy in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

Facet arthropathy is known to cause chronic neck or back pain that prevents you from performing daily activities and enjoying life. But the good news is that you don’t have to suffer in pain – MSSP offers minimally invasive solutions to help relieve chronic neck and back pain. We also offer medication management and can collaborate with your other providers to ensure you receive the relief that you deserve. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call (662) 284-8565.