1. Facet Disease Symptoms
There are many facet disease symptoms, but all of them come from one
source – the arthritic degeneration of one or more vertebral joints in the
spinal column. These symptoms vary in intensity and type from patient to
patient and are typically milder in early stages of arthritic degeneration. The
good news, however, is that with the proper course of treatment, arthritic
pain and other symptoms can normally be managed effectively without
surgery.
Arthritis
All told, there are more than one hundred different types of arthritis, each with their own unique causes
and symptoms. In the spine, the most common form of arthritis experienced is a type of osteoarthritis
known as facet disease, which is marked by the deterioration of cartilage coating the spine’s facet joints.
The individual vertebrae in the back and the neck are stabilized and interconnected by vertebral facet
joints. These hinge-like structures allow for the full range of motion that we require for daily activity,
and are also responsible for helping to maintain the structural integrity of the spinal column. Coated in
cartilage and encapsulated in lubricating synovial fluid, healthy facet joints allow the vertebrae to
articulate against one another comfortably.
However, as we grow older, this cartilage has a tendency to begin to wear away as a result of nothing
more than regular use. Eventually, bone-on-bone contact may occur, causing arthritic inflammation,
joint soreness or stiffness, and other facet disease symptoms. Additionally, the body frequently creates
bone spurs (osteophytes) as a natural defense mechanism against a perceived loss of spinal stability.
These smooth growths of bone are not inherently symptomatic in and of themselves, but when they
come in contact with another bone, or any nerve or soft tissue in the spinal column, many different
symptoms may develop.
It should also be mentioned that this arthritic deterioration can occur at any level in the spine, but
without question it is most common in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine (in the neck and
lower back, respectively). This is because the neck and lower back are both highly flexible and under
significant strain from supporting bodyweight. The combination of mobility and strain makes wear and
tear common and deterioration largely unavoidable. Degeneration can certainly occur in the thoracic
region of the spine (in the middle back), but this is less common because these 12 vertebrae are fused to
the ribcage and are far more static.
Pain and Other Symptoms
While most people associate arthritis with acute pain, this condition can actually cause a variety of
symptoms. In most cases, spinal osteoarthritis in its early stages causes minor pain or soreness first
thing in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. Quite often, these facet disease symptoms

2. are mistaken for regular back or neck stiffness and are immediately discounted because they abate with
some movement.
Over time, symptoms can progress to the point that back or neck pain becomes chronic and the joint
begins to feel increasingly stiff.
Additionally, when a nerve becomes compressed within the spinal column as a result of arthritic
inflammation or the presence of a bone spur, a wide variety of symptoms may be experienced as a
result of the constriction of the nerve. These symptoms, known collectively as radiculopathy, can often
be experienced in other seemingly unrelated parts of the body because when a spinal nerve becomes
constricted or “pinched,” it may affect the different muscles or muscle groups innervated by that
particular nerve.
Some of the most common facet disease symptoms are:
Numbness and tingling
Muscle weakness
A feeling of pins-and-needles
The sensation of heat
Stiffness or soreness
Poor reflexes
Diagnosing Facet Disease
One of the difficulties of diagnosing facet disease is that many of the
symptoms can be confused with those of other degenerative spine
conditions, or even a minor sprain or strain. This is why self-
diagnosis is never recommended. In order to receive an accurate
diagnosis of your condition, visiting a doctor is a necessity.
The first step of the diagnostic process is a thorough review of the
patient’s medical history and lifestyle. Patients should be prepared
to answer a series of questions, in detail, about their condition, the
symptoms they are experiencing, the treatments they have attempted, and other similar topics. Even
the smallest detail may prove vital in discovering the root of the patient’s symptoms. Additionally, the
patient should be prepared to discuss the medical history of his or her family, as osteoarthritis is
believed to have a genetic component.
Next, the patient should be prepared for a physical examination in which the doctor will attempt locate
the source of the symptoms. Range of motion may be tested, and the doctor will likely palpate the areas
around the back and neck, which may cause some mild discomfort. Finally, an X-ray may be
recommended to identify bone spurs, while an MRI or CT scan may be recommended to illustrate and
pinpoint the spinal degeneration and nerve compression.
Treatment Options

3. For individuals suffering from facet disease symptoms, there are many different treatment types
available. However, finding the treatment approach that offers the patient the best chance of pain relief
can take time and requires the input of a doctor. One of the difficulties with treating facet disease is that
there is no known cure for arthritis. Cartilage cannot be re-grown after it has worn away. Instead,
treatment for arthritic pain is focused on symptom management and exercises to maintain the mobility
of the affected joints.
Generally speaking, arthritis treatment normally begins with a series of nonsurgical, conservative
techniques. With so many treatments currently available, it is
important that the patient works closely with his or her doctor to
find the right style of treatment. The wrong approach may prove
entirely ineffective and waste time or even make symptoms worse.
In deciding the right type of treatment, the doctor will consider a
number of variables about the patient’s unique condition. The
patient’s age and health, fitness level, and the severity of the
symptoms are just a few examples of the factors that weigh into the
doctor’s decision.
While treatments vary, some of the most frequently recommended conservative techniques include:
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Heat therapy
Ice packs
Physical therapy
Low-impact exercise
Stretching techniques such as yoga or Pilates
Rest
Many patients also turn to corticosteroid injections for meaningful, albeit short-term, pain relief.
Alternative medicine is also quite popular for individuals with facet disease symptoms. Chiropractic
therapy, acupuncture, and deep tissue massage are commonly used to manage pain, although these
types of alternative treatments are somewhat controversial in that many doctors debate their efficacy.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be considered to manage arthritic pain. There are a number of different
types of procedures available for individuals with facet disease. Some patients elect to undergo spinal
fusion to permanently immobilize the deteriorated joint, while others find the relief they require from
less invasive endoscopic procedures that clean the joint and deaden the nerve ending within the joint
that is causing discomfort. Each type of procedure has its own distinct advantages and drawbacks, which
is why it always pays to be diligent when selecting a surgical procedure for the treatment of facet
disease symptoms.