Lumbar Facet Syndrome

Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain is often thought of as immediately a disc problem. However, there are actually 3 joints per each lumbar level. A center hydraulic type joint the disc, and 2 posterior hinge type joints known as the facets at every level. 

The facets are needed to give stability to the disc. Often there are problems with both the disc and facet. 

However, the facet joints can be the primary cause of pain in both acute and chronic arthritis of the spine. A skilled physician such as Dr. Lox, can easily determine if the lumbar facets are a pain factor.

Arthritis of The Lumbar Spine

The lower back is the most common area for arthritis-related back pain. Lumbar spine osteoarthritis is very common, affecting about 30% of males and 28% of females aged 55–64 in the United States.

Various forms of arthritis can affect the lower back, including OA and spondyloarthritis.

Symptoms of Lumbar Arthritis

The lumbar spine carries most of the body’s weight, which means that both movement and inactivity can trigger symptoms. Pain may be worse after standing or sitting upright for prolonged periods. Bending sideways or backward can also cause pain. People may feel pain from lumbar arthritis in the center of their lower back. The pain may expand to the pelvic area or the sides of the buttocks. It can also extend into the thighs but rarely spreads to the knees.