What does mild facet arthropathy mean?

What is Facet Arthropathy? Facet Arthropathy (FA) is a painful, arthritic condition of the facet joints. These joints allow for bending, twisting, and alignment of the spine. The spinal nerves come off the spinal cord between the vertebra and the facet joints.

Is facet arthropathy serious?

Facet arthropathy can be painful and affect quality of life, making it serious enough to require treatment. Over time, spine degeneration can worsen over time and facet joints cannot heal once they become damaged.

Can facet arthropathy be cured?

Treatment. While there is no cure for facet arthropathy, there are ways to effectively manage the pain. Your orthopaedic specialist will work with you to find the least invasive treatment plan to manage your pain.

What is the treatment for lumbar facet arthropathy?

Treatments include: anti-inflammatory medications. avoidance of motions that cause pain (such as repetitive twisting, lifting, or extending the lower back) back surgery when there is nerve-root compression, often spinal fusion (removal of the facet joints between parts of the spine that are fused together)

Does facet arthropathy require surgery?

Only in extremely rare situations is immediate surgery required for facet syndrome. The neurosurgeons of the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Comprehensive Spine Care may recommend surgery if: Conservative treatments prove ineffective. It is difficult to stand or walk.

Is lumbar facet arthropathy a disability?

According to the medical guide called the Blue Book published by the SSA, facet arthropathy might qualify as a disability if the severity of symptoms matches the guidelines published under Section 1.04. This section lists all musculoskeletal conditions that qualify disability applicants for financial assistance.

Is facet arthropathy common?

How common is facet joint arthritis? This kind of pain is more common than we think, especially as people age. An interesting Swiss studyi gathered data based on whole-body CT scans (including the pelvis and lower back spine) of 620 individuals ranging from 14-94 years (average age 42.5).

Does facet arthropathy cause hip pain?

Facet joint syndrome and facet joint arthritis can cause hip pain that may not respond to conservative treatments.

Is walking good for facet joint pain?

Prolonged walking and standing can make the pain worse. Sitting usually relieves the pain as stress is taken off the facet joints. Cervical (upper spine) facet joint pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, upper or middle back. Headaches may also occur if the upper facet joints are stressed.

What causes facet arthropathy?

A car accident, sports injury, or a fall can damage one or more of the facet joints, leading to facet arthropathy. Wear and tear on the facet joints. Heavy lifting, improper posture, and disc problems are some of the factors that can cause the cartilage to wear down.