Facet syndrome

Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome (pronounced: /ˈfæsɪt/ syn-drome), also known as facet joint syndrome or facet joint disease, is a medical condition that affects the spinal joints and can cause significant back pain and other symptoms.

Etymology

The term "facet" comes from the Latin word "facies" which means "face". In medical terminology, a facet is a small, smooth, flat surface on a bone or other hard body part. The term "syndrome" comes from the Greek word "syndromē" which means "concurrence of symptoms, concourse of people".

Definition

Facet syndrome is a disorder that involves the degeneration of the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. The facet joints are lined with cartilage and are surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to bend and twist.

Symptoms

Symptoms of facet syndrome may include back pain, difficulty twisting and bending the spine, pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs, and in severe cases, a condition known as spinal stenosis can occur.

Causes

Facet syndrome is typically caused by aging, but it can also be the result of injury or disease. The condition is more common in older adults due to the wear-and-tear on the facet joints that occurs over time.

Treatment

Treatment for facet syndrome may include physical therapy, medications, facet joint injections, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Spinal stenosis
• Facet joint injections
• Back pain

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Facet syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Facet syndrome

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