Facet Joint Irritation/ Degeneration

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Inflammation of the joints located between the vertebrae of the spine

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Localised back pain
Pain with movement
Stiffness - reduced ROM
Referred pain - cervical - shoulder, lumbar - buttocks and thigh
Muscle spasms
Tenderness

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Common cause of back and neck pain in older generations
Both genders
Very common for 60+
Accounts for 15% - 45%

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

Middles aged and elderly - 40+
Young adults - repetitive stress (athletes, labourers)

Question 5

Risk

Answer 5

Age
Repetitive spinal stress
Previous spinal injury
Obesity
Poor posture
Sedentary lifestyle

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Pain - extension + rotation
Localised pain
Morning stiffness
Pain relief when leaning forward (shopping trolley sign)
Pain worsens with activity

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Physical therapy
Lifestyle modifications
Anti inflammatory meds
Corticosteroid injections