How is Facet diagnosed?
Diagnosis of facet syndrome is made primarily from the history and physical exam. If facet syndrome is suspected, diagnostic imaging can be obtained. Imaging includes but is not limited to X-Rays, MRI, and CT scan. X-Rays will be done in-house at our facility during your initial consultation.
How do you test for facet joint syndrome?
The most used systems to diagnose this syndrome are an X-ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Plain radiography does not provide information in establishing the diagnosis of the facet joint syndrome.
What causes facet joints to flare?
Typically, facet syndrome develops when wear and tear thins out the fluid-filled capsule, the cartilage is no longer coated, and the joints rub roughly against each other rather than a slick glide. The joints react by becoming inflamed and irritated.
What are the symptoms of Facet joint syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome in the cervical spine may also cause headaches. Thoracic facet joint syndrome can cause pain in your midback, and you may find your range of motion restricted to the point where you find it necessary to turn your entire body to look over to the right or left. Low back pain is commonly caused by facet joint syndrome.
How is lumbar facet pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Lumbar Facet Joint Disorders A combination of clinical evaluation and medical imaging and/or diagnostic injection tests are usually considered to diagnose facet joint pain. The initial step usually involves a doctor’s visit. The physical evaluation is likely to include multiple elements of a comprehensive exam.
What causes facet joint pain in the neck?
The joints in the spine are called “facets.” Each vertebra in the spine has two sets. Facet joint syndrome is caused by natural wear and tear on these facets over time, causing pain. The syndrome is most commonly found in the lower back (lumbar) and neck (cervical). What aggravates facet joint pain?
What is the most common site of Facet joint pain?
The most common site of facet joint pain in the lumbar spine is at the L4-L5 level followed by L5-S1. Some researchers estimate that facet joint syndrome accounts anywhere from 15% of all low back pain complaints to 59.6% in men and 66.7% in women. 1