Lumbar Facet Arthritis Treatment Specialist in Frisco, Mesquite, and Sunnyvale TX

Lumbar facet arthritis, also known as facet joint syndrome, is a chronic condition that affects the facet joints in the lower spine. The facet joints connect the vertebrae and are crucial for flexibility and movement, allowing you to bend and twist. As the cartilage within the joints can wear down, you may notice inflammation, stiffness, and pain. When the cartilage is lost, bones will rub against each other, causing pain and reduced mobility.

Facet arthritis can significantly limit your quality of life by making it harder to perform daily tasks that involve moving or standing for long periods. The discomfort may be dull, achy, or sharp during flare-ups, and it’s almost always accompanied by stiffness in the lower back. While this condition tends to worsen with age, certain lifestyle factors can accelerate the degenerative process, such as poor posture and obesity.

As we get older, the cartilage in the facet joints breaks down, which can result in arthritis. Other than age, various factors can contribute to the development or worsening of lumbar facet arthritis, including:

• Genetics – If you have a family history of osteoarthritis or joint issues, you may be more predisposed to developing facet joint arthritis.

• Repetitive stress – Activities that put continuous strain on the spine, such as heavy lifting, sports, or poor posture, can wear down the facet joints faster.

• Injury or trauma – A previous spinal injury (such as a car accident or fall) can lead to the early onset of arthritis. As damage to the spine causes inflammation, trauma can speed up the joint degeneration process.

• Obesity – Extra body weight puts additional pressure on the spinal column, specifically the lower back, leading to accelerated joint degeneration.

• Poor posture – If you have bad posture when sitting or standing improperly for long periods, you will experience extra strain on the lower back, increasing your likelihood of developing facet arthritis.

The symptoms of lumbar facet arthritis often develop gradually and worsen over time. Some of the most persistent symptoms of this condition include:

• Chronic lower back pain – Typically, the pain is felt in the lower back and may spread to the buttocks or the back of the thighs. However, it usually doesn’t travel below the knees. Facet joint pain can come and go, often getting worse with weather changes, such as colder temperatures or increased humidity.

• Morning stiffness – After sleeping or long periods of rest, you may experience stiffness and limited mobility in your lower back if you have lumbar facet arthritis.

• Worsening pain with activity – Bending backward, twisting, or standing for long periods often worsens the pain caused by this form of arthritis.

• Localized tenderness – In some cases, pressing on the affected area of the spine may cause tenderness or discomfort.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to speak to a pain management doctor to understand what’s causing them and how to minimize your discomfort.

When diagnosing lumbar facet arthritis, doctors use a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and diagnostic injections. The specialist will start your visit by discussing your medical history and conducting a physical examination. During the examination, the healthcare professional will assess your pain levels, range of motion, and any signs of nerve involvement. You may be asked to bend or twist in various ways to determine exactly how the pain is affecting you.

To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist may order imaging studies. In some cases, the specialist may use facet joint injections, also known as diagnostic blocks, to pinpoint the source of your pain. A small amount of anesthetic is injected into the suspected facet joint; if your pain subsides after the injection, it’s confirmation that the facet joint is the source of your discomfort.

After diagnosing the source of your symptoms, your pain management doctor will explain your options in terms of treatment. If you suspect you may have lumbar facet arthritis, schedule a visit with the dedicated team at OmniSpine Pain Management. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco TX, Sunnyvale TX, and Mesquite TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.