Facet syndromes or facet joint syndromes are pains that arise from irritation or blockage (“dislocation”) of the small vertebral joints, the so-called facet joints. The cause of facet syndrome is usually the wear and tear of this joint or these joints, e.g. due to being overweight, lack of exercise, poor posture (desk, manual trades, etc.) and/or inflammatory influences (e.g. rheumatic diseases). Furthermore, patients with muscular weakness (instability) tend to have recurrent facet joint blockages. The consequence of this can be increased wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, which in turn leads to a greater pressure load on the small vertebral joints (vicious circle).

Over time, osteoarthritis can develop. The pain areas can be located in the middle or lower cervical spine (cervical facet syndrome). This may lead to radiation into the shoulders, shoulder blades or arms. If the pain is located in the buttocks, lumbar region or legs, it is referred to as lumbar facet syndrome. Discomfort in the chest is attributed to thoracic facet syndrome.

As already described for “lumbago”, the SpineMED® therapy can be used to mechanically unblock the small vertebral joints, i.e. “free” them