Lumbar facet syndrome occurs frequently in athletes, and is one of the most common causes of back pain. A facet is a small joint that lies between the bones protecting the spinal cord. Lumbar facet syndrome can also be caused by twisting, back arching or repetitive force on an extended spine. Here's what to look for to determine if a patient has the condition.
Instructions
1. Get a detailed description of the pain in the lower back. Lower back pain is the main symptom of lumbar facet syndrome; however, it is also a common symptom for a large number of conditions, including metastatic cancer. Keep records of the intensity, duration and location of the pain. A patient with facet joint syndrome tends to have pain that is deep and achy and radiates to the buttocks and the back of the thigh.
2. Determine whether the pain is consistent or intermittent. Find out whether the pain increases during walking, standing, stretching, sitting, coughing, sneezing or bending forward.A patient with lumbar facet syndrome tends to experience more severe pain when twisting the back, stretching or doing side bends.
3. Ask about previous problems with the back. Check for any past diagnosis that may be relevant to back pain, including arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases, diabetes, cancer and renal and urinary-tract disease. If the patient was diagnosed with cancer, back pain might indicate a spreading of that cancer to the bones.
4. Palpate along the vertebrate to locate the point of tenderness. Examine the flexibility of the pelvis and the hamstrings, which affect the lumbosacral spine.
5. Use X-rays, a CAT scan or an MRI to determine whether fractures are present. A bone scan can be helpful in identifying tumors. Note that most of the imaging techniques will be unable to detect abnormalities of the facet joint, but can help determine whether the back pain may be caused by another condition.
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