Facet Syndrome occurs when there is an irritation of one or more of the joints on the spinal vertebrae. Facet Syndrome is a common cause of pain related to the spine. The facet joints are the articulations, or connections, between the vertebrae in the spine. They enable the bending or twisting movements of the spine. The facet joints can get inflamed secondary to injury, repetitive stress, or arthritis. This causes pain and stiffness.
When the facet joints are affected in the neck, or cervical spine, it typically causes pain in this area. Headaches may also occur, as well as difficulty rotating the head. In the low back, or lumbar region, facet joint irritation can cause pain locally as well pain referring down into the buttocks.
