Lumbar Facet Joint Arthritis

Introduction

Physiotherapy in Orleans for Lower Back

Welcome to Orleans Physiotherapy's patient resource about Lumbar Facet Joint Arthritis.

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.

This article will help you understand:

  • how the problem develops
  • how doctors diagnose the condition
  • what treatment options are available

Hear from some of our patients who we treated for Back Pain
I just happened to stumble upon this clinic when searching for an emergency appointment for a herniated disc. Jagrutiben Asudani had an opening within 48hrs, and I'm so grateful for it. She is...
 I just happened to stumble upon this clinic when searching for an emergency appointment for a herniated disc. Jagrutiben Asudani had an opening within 48hrs, and I'm so grateful for it. She is knowledgeable, thorough and very professional. She uses a variety of techniques and sends clear instructions for completing exercises at home. I highly recommend Jag. 
Cheryl B
Orleans, ON
I have a fantastic experience working with this medical facility. Jag is a knowledgeable and skilled physiotherapist who is an expert in the human body. She utilized a variety techniques, including...
 I have a fantastic experience working with this medical facility. Jag is a knowledgeable and skilled physiotherapist who is an expert in the human body. She utilized a variety techniques, including manual therapy, acupuncture, and personalized exercises, to help me find relief from my lower back pain. I highly recommend Jag to anyone seeing expert physiotherapy treatment delivered with skill and passion. 
Mahshid A
Orleans, ON
Having injured my back two weeks ago, I was looking for a clinic that could see me right away as things were progressively getting worse. I've then had the pleasure of finding this place and meeting...
 Having injured my back two weeks ago, I was looking for a clinic that could see me right away as things were progressively getting worse. I've then had the pleasure of finding this place and meeting Jagrutiben. Her gentle approach made me feel that I was in good hands. She is very knowledgeable and friendly. She does not rush you, she takes time to explain you and inform you about what can be done to relieve your pain. The treatments received from her including the acupuncture, massage, the circulation promoter device used to stimulate the muscles and nerves, the streching,... helped to improve my condition and I am getting better everyday. A big thanks to Jagrutiben for just being one of the best Physiotherapist out there❣️ 
Diane
Orleans, ON
Clint was quick to diagnose and explain the problem with my back. His prognosis was accurate, and now I'm in recovery. The exercise program he provided was very applicable. Thanks for your help....
 Clint was quick to diagnose and explain the problem with my back. His prognosis was accurate, and now I'm in recovery. The exercise program he provided was very applicable. Thanks for your help. Clinic staff was very helpful and efficient - thanks to you too. 
Terry M
Orleans, ON
There are many physiotherapists close home; however, I choose to drive the 40km round trip, twice a week to receive the top notch care I get at Orleans Physiotherapy. Natasha Green treated me at...
 There are many physiotherapists close home; however, I choose to drive the 40km round trip, twice a week to receive the top notch care I get at Orleans Physiotherapy. Natasha Green treated me at another clinic a few years ago following a car accident. I was delighted to be able to find her again when my back and legs were giving me so much trouble. Natasha is very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. After years of suffering from chronic pain, with her treatments and exercise plans, I have had so much more mobility, better sleeps and overall improved quality of life. The clinic itself is very clean, bright and welcoming. The office staff are all wonderful. Very polite, friendly and excellent with communications. I highly recommend Natasha and Orleans Physiotherapy and am grateful for their services. 
Sandra R
Orleans, ON
I am thrilled to say how pleased I am with the amazing, professional, knowledgeable and always up-to-date staff at Orleans Physiotherapy from the front desk staff to the health care professionals. I...
 I am thrilled to say how pleased I am with the amazing, professional, knowledgeable and always up-to-date staff at Orleans Physiotherapy from the front desk staff to the health care professionals. I had gone to see them 15 years ago for a back issue and later a knee issue. I am now there for neck, shoulder, arm pain. Natasha Green is one of the newer members on the team and I cannot say enough about her expertise, compassion and knowledge. She uses techniques that work magic on my pain - dry needling, manual therapy (where she pinpoints precisely the area of need), laser etc. And of course, Orleans Physiotherapy follows all Covid protocols to ensure everyone is safe. I highly recommend Orleans Physiotherapy! 
Rita B
Orleans, ON
I have been seeing Clint at Orleans Physiotherapy on and off for several years for different problems either for shoulder issues. back issues or knee issues and I had always received excellent care....
 I have been seeing Clint at Orleans Physiotherapy on and off for several years for different problems either for shoulder issues. back issues or knee issues and I had always received excellent care. Most important. I have always recover with the help of the treatments and the exercises.I am now seeing Clint for knee issues and in spite of the pandemic I feel safe as the staff take all the safety measures necessary to protect their clients. The receptionists are polite, knowledgeable and will do their best to accommodate my schedule. 
Ginette G
Orleans, ON
I have been a client of Clint’s for several years. Without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made. Recently have been suffering with extreme sciatica. Clint has made it possible to keep...
 I have been a client of Clint’s for several years. Without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made. Recently have been suffering with extreme sciatica. Clint has made it possible to keep my daily activities possible. I highly recommend The Orleans Physio family they really know what you need to recover and keep living a full life and truly care about each of their patients. 
Mar S
Orleans, ON
I highly recommend Orleans Physio. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Have been with them for a few years now for various issues. Hurt my lower back last week and they took me right away...went...
 I highly recommend Orleans Physio. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Have been with them for a few years now for various issues. Hurt my lower back last week and they took me right away...went for my follow-up today and am almost 100%. They are truly the best...thanks to Clint, Natasha and Clifford. 
Pamela M
Orleans, ON
I was treated mostly by Clint for lower back pain issues. I herniated 2 discs about 40 years ago and have been living with various degrees of pain during that time. I consulted with Orleans...
 I was treated mostly by Clint for lower back pain issues. I herniated 2 discs about 40 years ago and have been living with various degrees of pain during that time. I consulted with Orleans Physiotherapy after a move since I felt that the pain I was experiencing was much more than I normally experience. After just a couple of sessions, I noticed a huge improvement. I continued with the treatments and prescribed exercises for about 4 months. The pain is not fully gone but much more tolerable. I would imagine that at age 62, part of the reason for the pain is due to a certain amount of arthritis and that I must continue to stay active and exercise regularly. This is the best physiotherapy clinic I’ve been to and can highly recommend their services. The staff is always happy to see you and they have a great sense of humour as well. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything guys! 
Canacura
Orleans, ON
I am a first time client at Orleans Physio. I was referred by my family doctor for lower back pain. Natasha was my assigned physio. I could not have been happier with my experience. I left my first...
 I am a first time client at Orleans Physio. I was referred by my family doctor for lower back pain. Natasha was my assigned physio. I could not have been happier with my experience. I left my first appointment with an exercise plan, and tips to facilitate comfortable sitting and standing. I came in the clinic feeling one way and left feeling more comfortable and encouraged. Natasha is professional, competent and caring. I am delighted I was referred to this clinic and delighted to have Natasha as my physio. Thank-you, Orléans Physio. 
Anne P
Orleans, ON
**I’m back for more and happy to see my wonderful friends here at Orleans Physiotherapy ** Me and my family and friends have been going to Orleans Physiotherapy for years. They are the nicest...
 **I’m back for more and happy to see my wonderful friends here at Orleans Physiotherapy ** Me and my family and friends have been going to Orleans Physiotherapy for years. They are the nicest people that you would ever meet. Not only do they meet every challenge with up-to-date knowledge and equipment but they do it with a smile and a wonderful atmosphere. It really is a family. My recent injury to my side (originating from my back as it turns out) was debilitating. I can now take a full breath AND roll over in bed without crying. I am soooo grateful. They really are the best! 
Nikki F
Orleans, ON
I had heard about Orleans Physiotherapy Clinic for years and have now started seeing Clint for my back issues. He is attentive, friendly and takes his time to explain what he is doing, why and how it...
 I had heard about Orleans Physiotherapy Clinic for years and have now started seeing Clint for my back issues. He is attentive, friendly and takes his time to explain what he is doing, why and how it will help. The overall service at the clinic is excellent and I would highly recommend Orleans Physiotherapy. 
Scarlett R
Orleans, ON
Have been coming to Orleans Physio for my back and they have done wonders for my recovery! Great service and knowledgeable staff!! Would definitely recommend to friends and family!
 Have been coming to Orleans Physio for my back and they have done wonders for my recovery! Great service and knowledgeable staff!! Would definitely recommend to friends and family! 
Laurent C
Orleans, ON
Unfortunately, I had to visit the Physiotherapist for the first time this week... after calling a few places telling me they were unable to fit me in last minute until the next couple of days, I ended...
 Unfortunately, I had to visit the Physiotherapist for the first time this week... after calling a few places telling me they were unable to fit me in last minute until the next couple of days, I ended up calling Orleans Physio and 4 hours later I was sitting in with Celine. I could barely walk or breathe due to massive back pain. I have a high pain tolerance and this pain was unbearable. Within 48 hours of my visit, I was back to doing my everyday activities with minor back pain. The staff was phenomenal and you can tell they care for your well being. Celine went over and beyond to adequately suit my needs and answer all of my questions. I highly recommend this clinic! Thank you Orleans Physio! 
Dan G
Orleans, ON
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Anatomy

What part of the back is involved?

The human spine is made up of 24 spinal bones, called vertebrae. Vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to create the spinal column. The spinal column gives the body its form. It is the body's main upright support.

Human Spine

The back portion of the spinal column forms a bony ring. When the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, these bony rings create a hollow tube. This tube, called the spinal canal, surrounds the spinal cord as it passes through the spine. Just as the skull protects the brain, the bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord.

Between the vertebrae of each spinal segment are two facet joints. The facet joints are located on the back of the spinal column. There are two facet joints between each pair of vertebrae, one on each side of the spine. A facet joint is made of small, bony knobs that line up along the back of the spine. Where these knobs meet, they form a joint that connects the two vertebrae. The alignment of the facet joints of the lumbar spine allows freedom of movement as you bend forward and back.

Facet Joints

The surfaces of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a smooth, rubbery material that covers the ends of most joints. It allows the bone ends to move against each other smoothly, without friction.

Articular Cartilage

Related Document: Orleans Physiotherapy's Guide to Lumbar Spine Anatomy

Causes

Why do I have this problem?

Normally, the facet joints fit together snugly and glide smoothly, without pressure. If pressure builds where the joint meets, the cartilage on the joint surfaces wears off, or erodes.

Each segment in the spine has three main points of movement, the intervertebral disc and the two facet joints. Injury or problems in any one of these structures affects the other two. As a disc thins with aging and from daily wear and tear, the space between two spinal vertebrae shrinks. This causes the facet joints to press together.

Facet joints can also become arthritic due to a back injury earlier in life. Fractures, torn ligaments, and disc problems can all cause abnormal movement and alignment, putting extra stress on the surfaces of the facet joints.

The body responds to this extra pressure by developing bone spurs. As the spurs form around the edges of the facet joints, the joints become enlarged. This is called hypertrophy. Eventually, the joint surfaces become arthritic. When the articular cartilage degenerates, or wears away, the bone underneath is uncovered and rubs against bone. The joint becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful.

Animation of facet arthritis


Facet joint arthritis develops slowly over a long period of time. This is partly because spinal degeneration in later life is the main cause of facet joint arthritis. Symptoms rarely develop immediately when degeneration is causing the problems. However, rapid movements, heavy twisting, or backward motions in the low back can injure a facet joint, leading to immediate symptoms.

Symptoms

What does the condition feel like?

Pain from facet joint arthritis is usually worse after resting or sleeping. Also, bending the trunk sideways or backward usually produces pain on the same side as the arthritic facet joint. For example, if you lie on your stomach on a flat surface and raise your upper body, you hyperextend the spine. This increases pressure on the facet joints and can cause pain if there is facet joint arthritis.

Pain may be felt in the center of the low back and can spread into one or both buttocks. Sometimes the pain spreads into the thighs, but it rarely goes below the knee. Numbness and tingling, the symptoms of nerve compression, are usually not felt because facet arthritis generally causes only mechanical pain. Mechanical pain comes from abnormal movement in the spine.

However, symptoms of nerve compression can sometimes occur at the same time as the facet joint pain. The arthritis can cause bone spurs at the edges of the facet joint. These bone spurs may form in the opening where the nerve root leaves the spinal canal. This opening is called the neural foramen. If the bone spurs rub against the nerve root, the nerve can become inflamed and irritated. This nerve irritation can cause symptoms where the nerve travels. These symptoms may include numbness, tingling, slowed reflexes, and muscle weakness.

Diagnosis

How do health care providers diagnose the problem?

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and physical examination. When you visit Orleans Physiotherapy, we will ask questions about your symptoms and how your problem is affecting your daily activities. This will include questions about where you feel pain and if you have numbness or weakness in your legs. We will also want to know what positions or activities make your symptoms worse or better.

Our physiotherapist then performs a physical exam to determine which back movements cause you pain or other symptoms. Your skin sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes are also tested.

Some patients may be referred to a doctor for further diagnosis. Once your diagnostic examination is complete, the physiotherapists at Orleans Physiotherapy have treatment options that will help speed your recovery, so that you can more quickly return to your active lifestyle.

Orleans Physiotherapy provides services for physiotherapy in Orleans.

Our Treatment

Non-surgical Rehabilitation

Facet joint arthritis is mainly treated nonsurgically. At first, your physiotherapist at Orleans Physiotherapy may prescribe a short period of rest to calm inflammation and pain. Patients may find added relief by curling up to sleep on a firm mattress or by lying on their back with their knees bent and supported. These positions take pressure off the facet joints.

By evaluating your condition, our physiotherapist can assign positions and exercises to ease symptoms. Our physiotherapist may recommend traction. Traction is a common treatment for this condition. It gently stretches the low back and takes pressure off the facet joints.

Although recovery time is different for each individual, as a general rule, our lumbar joint arthritis patients are normally seen a few times each week for four to six weeks. In severe and chronic cases, patients may need a few additional weeks of care.

The physiotherapists at Orleans Physiotherapy create a personalized program to help each patient regain back movement, strength, endurance, and function. Hands-on treatments such as massage and specialized forms of soft-tissue mobilization may be used initially. We use these treatments to help patients begin moving with less pain and greater ease.

Our physiotherapist may also prescribe strengthening and aerobic exercises. Strengthening exercises focus on improving the strength and control of the back and abdominal muscles. Aerobic exercises are used to improve heart and lung health and increase endurance in the spinal muscles. Stationary biking offers a good aerobic treatment and keeps the spine bent slightly forward, a position that gives relief to many patients with lumbar facet joint arthritis.

We will show you how to improve strength and coordination in the abdominal and low back muscles. Our physiotherapist will also evaluate your workstation and the way you use your body when you do your activities.

Post-surgical Rehabilitaiton

Outpatient physiotherapy, such as the programs offered at Orleans Physiotherapy, is usually prescribed only for post-surgical patients who have extra pain or show significant muscle weakness and deconditioning.

Patients usually don't require physiotherapy after facet rhizotomy. We may prescribe a short period of therapy when patients have lost muscle tone in their back and abdominal muscles, when they have problems controlling pain, or when they need guidance about returning to work.

Although recovery time varies, as a general rule, patients who require formal rehabilitation after facet rhizotomy will probably only need to attend sessions for two to four weeks and should expect full recovery to take up to three months.

Patients who have had lumbar fusion surgery normally need to wait at least six weeks before beginning a rehabilitation program. Again, although individuals recover at different rates, lumbar fusion patients typically need to attend therapy sessions for six to eight weeks and should expect full recovery to take up to six months.

During physiotherapy after surgery, our therapist may use treatments such as heat or ice, electrical stimulation, massage, and ultrasound to help calm pain and muscle spasm. Then we will teach you how to move safely with the least amount of strain on the healing back. As your Orleans Physiotherapy rehabilitation program evolves, you will do increasingly challenging exercises. Our goal is to safely improve strength and function.

As your physiotherapy sessions contine, our therapist will help you get back to the activities you enjoy.  You may need guidance on how to change the way you go about your activities and which activities are safe. Ideally, patients are able to resume their normal activities.

When recovery is well under way, regular visits to Orleans Physiotherapy will end. Although we will continue to be a resource, you will be are in charge of doing your exercises as part of an ongoing home program.

Orleans Physiotherapy provides services for physiotherapy in Orleans.

Physician Review

Your doctor may order X-rays to reveal if there are problems in the bone tissue in and near the facet joints. The images can show if degeneration has caused the space between the vertebrae to collapse and may show if bone spurs have developed near the facet joints.

Degeneration

When more information is needed, your doctor may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI machine uses magnetic waves rather than X-rays to show the soft tissues of the body. This test gives a clear picture of the facet joints to see whether they are enlarged or swollen. This machine creates pictures that look like slices of the area your doctor is interested in. The test does not require dye or a needle.

A computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered. This is a detailed X-ray that lets your doctor see slices of bone tissue. The image can show whether the surface of the joint has eroded and whether bone spurs have developed.

A diagnostic injection may be used to locate the source of pain. The doctor uses a long needle to inject a local anesthetic (numbing medication) into either the joint or into the nerve that goes to the joint. The doctor watches the needle on a fluoroscope to make sure it reaches the correct spot. A fluoroscope is a special X-ray television that allows the doctor to see your spine and the needle as it moves. Once the doctor is sure the needle is in the right place, the medicine and a special dye are injected. The doctor watches the dye to make sure the medication is correctly placed. The results from the injection help the doctor make the diagnosis. If pain goes away, it helps confirm the source of pain.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or aspirin. Muscle relaxants are occasionally used to calm muscles that are in spasm. Oral steroid medicine in tapering dosages may also be prescribed for pain.

Patients who still have pain after trying various treatments may require injections into the facet joint or the small nerves that go to the joint. An anesthetic is used to block pain coming from the facet joint. The procedure to inject the medication into the joint is similar to the diagnostic injection described earlier. A steroid medication is occasionally used instead of the anesthetic. There is no strong evidence that these injections work. However, they seem to have some good short-term results with few side effects, so they shouldn't be abandoned completely. Doctors often have their patients resume physiotherapy treatments following an injection.

Surgery

People with facet joint arthritis rarely need surgery. However, facet joint arthritis is a primary source of chronic low back pain about 15 percent of the time. After trying other types of treatment, some of these patients may eventually require surgery. There are several types of surgery for facet joint arthritis. The two primary operations are:

  • facet rhizotomy
  • posterior lumbar fusion

Facet Rhizotomy

Rhizotomy describes a surgical procedure in which a nerve is purposely cut or destroyed. Facet rhizotomy involves severing one of the small nerves that goes to the facet joint. The intent of the procedure is to stop the transmission of pain impulses along this nerve. The nerve is identified using a diagnostic injection (described earlier). Then the surgeon inserts a large, hollow needle through the tissues in the low back. A special probe is inserted through the needle, and a fluoroscope is used to guide the probe toward the nerve. The probe is slowly heated until the nerve is severed.

Posterior Lumbar Fusion

Facet joint arthritis mainly causes mechanical pain, the type of pain caused by wear and tear in the parts of the lumbar spine. Posterior lumbar fusion for facet joint arthritis is mainly used to stop movement of the painful joints by joining two or more vertebrae into one solid bone (fusion). This keeps the bones and painful facet joints from moving.

In this procedure, the surgeon lays small grafts of bone over the back of the spine. Most surgeons will also apply metal plates and screws to prevent the two vertebrae from moving. This protects the graft so it can heal better and faster.

Grafts of Bone

Related Document: Orleans Physiotherapy's Guide to Posterior Lumbar Fusion

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