Facet Syndrome

Facet joints are small joints located at the back of each vertebra. These joints directly connect the vertebrae to each other from the back, allowing spinal movement. Facet joints are equipped with complex nerves and are very sensitive to pain. The structure of these joints, which are crucial for our spine's mobility, can deteriorate due to age, trauma, and can cause severe neck and lower back pain.

While bending forward intensifies pain in a herniated disc, with facet syndrome, the pain increases more with leaning back and turning sideways. Aging, engaging in intense sports for extended periods, continually carrying heavy loads, and having improper body posture are significant predisposing factors for facet syndrome.

In addition to enabling spinal movement, another function of the facet joints is to form part of the foramen, where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Trauma, excessive load on the spine, or other bone diseases can lead to growth in the facet joints. This can narrow the foramina and produce symptoms resembling a herniated disc. If it happens in the neck, pain spreads to the shoulder and arm; if in the lower back, pain radiates to the buttock and leg. Pain from facet syndrome can be managed with interventions such as facet joint injections and facet joint denervation.

The nerves related to facet joints don't control the movement of any muscles in your body; they only transmit pain signals to the brain. Facet joint denervation is the blocking of this transmission. The most modern method used for this purpose is radiofrequency thermocoagulation, which applies controlled heat to the nerve. These interventional methods are only a part of the treatment. Another crucial aspect is educating patients after treatment. By "education," we mean the exercise program that needs to be given to the patient and teaching the correct and incorrect behaviors for treating the body. Only in this way can one have a healthy spine.