

There are two facet joints on each vertebrae of the spinal column. One is pointing upward and one is pointing down. They connect with the appropriate facet joint on the vertebrae above and below. These joints are also named zygapophyseal joints or Apophyseal Joints. These joints are synovial joints within the spine meaning that they are surrounded by a capsule with fluid in it that facilitates nutrition and helps with smooth motion. These joints are susceptible to arthritis just like any other joint in the body.
Facet joint arthritis is usually a result of Osteoarthritis, or a normal wear and tear on the joints and deterioration of cartilage over time. Some factors that may contribute to facet joint arthritis are:
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Arthritis in the facet joints can be a very painful condition as your spine is involved in nearly every movement that you perform. Whatever level of the spine that you are experiencing symptoms from facet joint arthritis, there will usually be a constant point of tenderness on your back where the facet joint is inflamed.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Arthritis is affecting the cervical spine, the neck, are:
Symptoms of facet joint arthritis located in the lumbar spine, the low back, are:
Treatment for Facet joint arthritis is similar to that of other arthritic joints throughout the body. These treatments may consist of: