The pain associated with facet arthropathy often starts as low back pain that is worse with backward bending or twisting movements. The pain is often localized to the lower back region with occasional radiation to the buttock region. The symptoms normally do not progress down the legs.
Diagnosing facet arthropathy can be done with a thorough history and physical examination by a physician. CT or MRI imaging can also assist in the diagnosis of facet arthropathy. A diagnostic injection can also be performed by injecting a mixture of a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid. If this injection relieves a significant amount of pain, then the diagnosis of facet arthropathy can be confirmed.
There are several conservative and non-conservative options for treating facet arthropathy. Initially, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can be done to improve the strength of the muscles in the lumbar spine. Over-the-counter pain medicines can help. Injections can also be used to relieve some of the pain associated with facet arthropathy. In extreme cases, surgery can be performed to decrease the motion between these joints and thus decrease the pain.
