Arthritis of the lumbar facet joints can be a source of significant low back pain. Aligned on the back of the spinal column, the facet joints link each vertebra together. Articular cartilage covers the surfaces where these joints meet. Like other joints in the body that are covered with articular cartilage, the lumbar facet joints can be affected by arthritis.
Causes
- Cartilage in our joints wears down.
- An injury,
- Repetitive movements,
- Obesity,
- Poor posture
- Spine conditions that change the way the facet joints align and move can cause pain.
- Changes in the facet joints can begin with the deterioration of a vertebral disc.
Symptoms
- Back pain and stiffness, which often worsens with activity.
- Grinding sound, as bones scrape against each other with movement of the Back
- Back pain
- Muscle spasms in the back
Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest
- Postural correction
- Avoid weight wearing
- Avoid foreword bending
- Medication
- Back support or corsets , belts
- Physiotherapy