Lumbar facet arthritis is a common cause of low back pain and stiffness affecting people past their middle age. Our sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of such debilitating conditions. It affects 5-15% of the general population.
Often referred to as facet joint osteoarthritis, lumbar facet arthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints in the lower back. These joints play a crucial role in providing stability and facilitating movement in the spine. When these joints become arthritic, it can lead to persistent pain and limited mobility.
Symptoms of Facet Arthritis
The primary symptoms of lumbar facet arthritis include localized lower back pain, stiffness, and discomfort during certain movements. Pain may radiate to the buttocks or thighs, and gets aggravated with activity. The pain is relieved with rest. Other symptoms include limited mobility, difficulty in performing activities that involve bending down. Diagnosing lumbar facet arthritis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Causes
Lumbar facet arthritis is primarily caused due to the gradual wear and tear of the facet joints over time. As the cartilage in the facet joints deteriorates, friction between the bones increases, leading to inflammation and pain, the surrounding nerves get involved to leading to radiation of pain down the buttocks. Some patients may report symptoms similar to Sciatica.
Treatment
The most important factor is to consider Facets as cause of low back pain, especially after the age of 60 years. Once correctly identified as the source of pain, treatment is aimed at Pain Relief. Pain relief measures include Facet Injections and nerve blocks and radio-frequency ablation of the nerves to provide long term pain relief. Once pain free, patients are encouraged to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to strengthen their back muscles in order to sustain the relief for long time.
At Pain Medics, Facet Arthritis is managed in a comprehensive approach based on clinical history, imaging, diagnosis and Image Guided Procedures around the Facets, which focus on Accuracy and Long Term Pain Relief for these patients. These procedures are safe, performed on day care basis, and provide early and long lasting pain relief.
Preventive Measures
Starting and adopting and exercise oriented lifestyle from Mid 30s goes a long way in prevention of Facet Arthritis. For people already affected, enhancing quality of life by engaging in regular low-impact exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture can contribute to pain relief and improved mobility. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to tailor a treatment plan that suits individual needs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent lower back pain due to lumbar facet arthritis, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the course of the condition and go a long way in ensuring a PAIN FREE LIFE!
