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Facet
Syndrome Injury
(Back Injury)
Introduction
Facet
Syndrome of
the back occurs
when the back
of the spine
which interconnects
to one another
(the facets)
compresses and
irritates the
soft tissue
in between.
This can inflame
the nerves exiting
the spine and
cause the same
type of symptoms
commonly seen
with pinched
nerve conditions.
This injury
is characterized
by short episodes
of sever back
pain.
The
facet joints
are located
on either side
of the spinal
column. Each
vertebra has
a bony prominence's
on each side;
this forms a
facet joint.
These joints
are enclosed
within a capsule
with meniscoid
structure within
the joint space.
This supplies
stability to
the spine by
limiting movement.
Osteoarthritis
is the main
cause of facet
syndrome. Spinal
osteoarthritis
is also a normal
part of the
aging process
for most people.
Degenerative
Disc Disease
(DDD) can also
cause facet
syndrome. As
the discs thin
and lose height,
the vertebral
bones become
closer to one
another. Abrupt
moments in rugby
can cause trauma
to the facets
and lead to
this condition.
Chronic
facet joint
pain does not
usually go away
in a few days.
Degeneration
of the joints
in often accompanied
by this condition
which may cause
symptoms similar
to arthritis.
Symptoms
of Facet Syndrome
Symptoms
of facet joint
syndrome in
the lower back
include:
- Pain or
tenderness
in the lower
back especially
on one side
of the body
- Pain that
increases
with twisting
or arching
the body
- Morning
back stiffness
- Pain that
moves to the
buttocks or
the back of
the thighs
— this
pain is usually
a deep, dull
ache.
- Stiffness
or difficulty
with certain
movements,
such as standing
up straight
or getting
up out of
a chair
Symptoms of
facet joint
syndrome in
the neck include:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder
pain
- Difficulty
rotating the
head
Your
doctor or physiotherapist
will suspect
facet joint
syndrome after
an evaluation
that includes
a complete medical
history and
physical examination.
X-ray may be
taken, computed
tomography (CT)
scan of the
spine, or magnetic
resonance imaging
(MRI) scan to
rule out another
disorder such
as a fractured
or herniated
disc as the
cause of the
pain.
Treating
Facet Syndrome
Facet
joint syndrome
most often is
treated with
a combination
of non-surgical
methods, including::
Posture
correction
— Correct
alignment of
the spine will
reduce stress
on the lower
back and neck.
Activity
modification
— Changing
your lifestyle
to accommodate
facet syndrome
may be necessary.
Changing your
home and work
environments
to reduce the
amount of twisting
bending and
stretching you
do. Also care
must be taken
that you are
using the correct
lifting and
handling techniques.
Exercise/physical
therapy
— Supervised
exercise can
help to reduce
pain, inflammation,
increase circulation
and promote
healing. Exercise
will also increase
flexibility
and strength
to prevent this
condition occurring
again.
Medicines
—
Over the counter
Medicines such
as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID)
will reduce
pain, inflammation
and muscle spasms.
Your doctor
may prescribe
stronger medication
to reduce swelling
and pain. However
these do have
side effects
which include
nausea, headaches,
and sleepiness.
Back
Support
— A back
support will
provide heat,
compression
and support
which will increase
healing times
and provide
comfort to the
player.
Surgery is
rarely needed
but a surgical
procedure called
radio frequency
rhizotomy may
be necessary
to relieve pain
and improve
mobility. Radiofrequency
rhizotomy, also
called radio
frequency neurotomy,
is the surgical
"de-nerving"
of the facet
joint.
The doctor
uses a special
X-ray connected
to a monitor
to accurately
place a needle
with a small
electrode into
the facet joint.
An electric
current is used
to destroy the
sensory nerves
of the joint,
leading to pain
relief.
How
do we prevent
Facet Syndrome?
It
is vital that
the player develops
a good posture
which will increase
spinal strength,
Exercises to
increase flexibility
and strength
are also necessary.
A lumbar roll
at the bottom
of the back
or a seat support
will aid while
sitting.
Rugby
Rescue Recommends
Back Supports
5 Star Rating
Elasticated
Back Brace
The Elasticated
Back Brace offers
compression
and support
without restricting
movement. The
two-way elasticated
stretch fabric
has been specifically
designed to
provide relief
to injuries
such as lower
back pain, lumbago
and rheumatic
conditions.
The fabric
is breathable,
lightweight
and follows
the contours
of the body,
reducing the
chance of slipping.
It features
an adjustable
front closure
for added comfort
and fit, as
well as an additional
compression
strap. Stays
are provided
in the rear,
offering additional
support.
This support
can be used
during a range
of sporting
activities,
at work or at
home
 View
Back Support
 
View
other Back Supports
 Click
here to view
exercise balls
to strengthen
spinal muscles
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