What Causes Facet Disease?

The facet disease is commonly caused by thinning or deterioration of the cartilage. This disease naturally occurs as a person starts to age. Trauma due to accidents such as vehicular accident, assault, and fall can also lead to this type of joint disease. Overuse of the joint attributed to some activities like sports and lifting also results to deterioration of this cartilage in spinal joint. In others, this disease is caused by spondylolithesis, a disorder wherein the vertebra slips anteriorly, pressing the nerves eventually. The cause of the facet disease varies but this type of joint disease can be treated.

What are the symptoms of facet disease?

A person suffering from facet disease has various symptoms. These symptoms are limited body motion, numbness and weakness, and radiating pain. Facet joint disease is characterized by the loss or thinning of cartilage. When this occurs, it becomes difficult for the joints to slide with each other smoothly. As a result, body movement becomes limited. When the nerve is being compressed as the disc slips forward, numbness and weakness sensation is felt in the legs. Radiating pain from the back extending to the buttocks going down the legs and feet is felt when facet disease occurs in the lumbar area.

How is facet disease treated?

A person suffering from facet disease can still be treated. There are various treatment options that will help cure or alleviate the pain caused by this joint disease. Some of these treatments are the conservative treatment, spinal fusion surgery, and endoscopic rhizotomy. Before deciding to undergo surgery, the patient can try the conservative treatment first. This treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, osteopathic or chiropractic, and water therapy. Spinal fusion is recommended when conservative treatment is not able to offer relief to the patient. The endoscopic rhizotomy is a procedure that is performed under local anesthesia to treat facet disease.

How is facet disease prevented?

Facet disease can affect anyone however it can be prevented with proper knowledge and understanding. Knowing the disease through research and studies will enable people to understand this painful disease. Being aware of the disease will motivate people to live a healthy lifestyle. With the accessibility of information online, people can easily get important data regarding this disease. Going for an annual check-up will also provide necessary assessment of health condition through different diagnostic tests and physical examination. People can also obtain direct information and clarification from their physician that will aid them in knowing and understanding facet disease better.

How can facet disease-free life be achieved?

Discipline plays a big part in achieving a facet disease-free life. Being aware of this disease is not enough. People should have self-discipline in order to maintain good health. Proper diet is essential in keeping a fit body. Eating fruits and vegetable will be very beneficial in attaining healthy body. It helps in managing weight, lubrication of joints, and strong immune system. Sports will aid in avoiding excess weight that will cause burden to the spine. Exercise can ease tension by allowing total body relaxation. Practicing self-discipline is very important in having a life that is free from facet disease.