Facet hypertrophy is achroniccondition that progresses with age.
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What Is Facet Hypertrophy?
The facet joints are located on the symmetrical wing-shaped structure on the back of each vertebra called aspinous process.
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There are two facet joints for every vertebra, one stacked atop the next.
Each opposing joint is covered withcartilagethat reduces friction between the bones.
What Causes Facet Joints to Enlarge?
Facet joints can become abnormally enlarged for any number of reasons.
This can not only causemusculoskeletal painbut alsoneuropathic (nerve) paindue to the compression of spinal nerves.
The main causes of facet hypertrophy include spinal degeneration, synovial inflammation, and joint instability or injury.
It is a non-inflammatory condition that can lead to the formation ofbone spursand the progressive loss of joint mobility.
These conditions mainly affect the synovial capsules surrounding the facet joints.
Common causes include contact sports, a car accident, or a serious fall.
The acute injury, in turn, can contribute to an increased risk of spondylosis later in life.
What Does Facet Hypertrophy Feel Like?
Facet hypertrophy symptoms can vary in intensity and location, depending on which vertebrae or spinal nerves are affected.
Facet hypertrophy can be confirmed with adiagnostic nerve block.
This involves administering an anesthetic injection into the affected joint.
Immediate pain relief confirms that the facet joint is the source of pain.
The goal of treatment is to make the pain more manageable and improve joint mobility.
Conservative treatment is usually successful in making a difference.
A facet block injects the medication outside the joint space near the nerve that supplies the joint.
This nerve is called the medial branch.
This treatment can reduce pain for six to 12 months until the nerves regenerate.
Further treatments may be needed at that time.
Examples include:
Prognosis
Facet hypertrophy is a chronic condition that progresses with age.
The disorder is incurable, but symptoms often respond well to conservative therapies.
Facet hypertrophy does not affect life expectancy.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help you achieve the best results.
Coping and Living Well
Most people can manage the pain of facet hypertrophy with conservative treatment.
However, avoiding certain sports and other activities that cause pain may also be necessary.
This can allow time for the inflammation to subside.
Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy weight can help prevent further stress on the joints.
Summary
Facet hypertrophy is an incurable, chronic disease that affects the facet joints in your spine.
Spinal trauma can also lead to facet hypertrophy.
Facet hypertrophy generally worsens over time, though treatment can help you manage pain and slow disease progress.
Most cases respond well to conservative treatment.
Severe cases may require nerve ablation or spinal surgery.
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