James
Are you suffering from back pain especially when bending your back or dull aches in your back whilst sitting? If this is the case you may be suffering from a facet syndrome injury. A sudden movement of the spine can cause severe pain to those suffering from facet syndrome. Facet syndrome is fairly common and is often a result of long-term issues damaging the facet joints such as degenerative disc disease (degenerative disc disease causes the disc to shrink this adds extra pressure to the facet joints) and sustained long-term overuse and pressure on the facet joints. This means that getting rid of facet syndrome takes time and there is no quick fix! Fixing the underlining problems causing facet syndrome is the only way!
Facet joints help to stabilise the spinal column and help to restrict damaging movement of the spine when bending and rotating it. Facet joints are found on each vertebra at the very back of your spinal column with one on the left and right side of your vertebra.
If you are suffering from a facet injury your back may feel stiff in the mornings and the pain will often get worse when bending the back onto the facet side that has been damaged.
To properly diagnose those suffering from facet syndrome doctors usually require patients to have an x-ray. Doctors will usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also recommended to wear back supports to help correct poor posture that maybe causing stress and pressure on the facet joints, wearing back supports may also help to stop the pain. Please note that if you are suffering from a facet injury strengthening the back muscles so that they can support themselves is always best and back supports should not be used as a long-term solution else you run the risk of worsening your posture as your muscles and back become dependent on the support.
Prevention
Maintaining good posture by not slouching when you are sat down or stood up is the best way to prevent facet syndrome and helps to strengthen supporting muscles in the spine which helps to keep pressure off the facet joints. Better posture can also help to reduce the risk of degenerative disc disease as well. If you work in an office and have to sit around for long periods this can cause weakening of the back muscles and can cause damage to your back.. so it is recommended that those who sit around fro long periods should stretch their backs every 15 minutes to prevent this from happening
