Facet joint syndrome

[Itswonderful]

Anyone here have experience of facet joint syndrome? Wondering what effect on your body it had had?

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

This is not something I would connect with fibromyalgia.

[Itswonderful in reply to desquinn]

Ok. I understand that. I typed facet joint syndrome in the search and it took me to that page.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Itswonderful]

Maybe have a look in one of the Arthritis communities? They may be able to help with your queries.

[Hidden in reply to desquinn]

I disagree with this desquinn , my pain doctor has told me this can have a connection with fm. As it affects the muscles surrounding, I’m suffering this now. And pure agony.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to Hidden]

perhaps as a differential condition or an overlapping one. But as it is degenerative condition affecting the joints it does not fit with fibro. Although if it is an overlapping condition then fibro will make it worse.

[Itswonderful in reply to Hidden]

Pain is not always in the spinal area. I have pain down both IT bands. Any form of exercise causes it to worsen. Do you have any ideas about relieving it? I am struggling to figure out a midway between doing nothing and doing something!

[Hidden in reply to Itswonderful]

I am the same as you, use it and pain is awful, I can’t take strong pain meds, so all I do is heat, and creams, I did have pain injections, via an X-ray,but I don’t know when I will be having another in this uncertain time. The only thing to do, is pace, as soon as you feel uncomfortable or pain, stop and rest, I know it doesn’t take much. And have a chat with your doctor about pain relief.

[041051 in reply to Itswonderful]

I have steroid injections sometimes. Guided ones help for longer but I have had to reduce the number/amount I have because they raise my blood sugars.

[Bramble71]

I have Hypertrophic Facet Joint Disease. Is this what you mean, OP? Facet joints are little joints in the spine which, I believe, become enlarged & inflamed in response to degeneration of the discs in between the vertebrae.

I believe, and my GP agreed, that the trauma & pain I suffered with my spinal problems (3 herniated discs, HFJD, resulting nerve damage in my leg & foot, failed discectomy surgery etc) are what caused my Fibromyalgia.

[Itswonderful in reply to Bramble71]

The cartilage has worn away in the facet joints a d a disc and cracked and is pressing on a nerve root.

[Bramble71 in reply to Itswonderful]

Similar. The doctor described the facet joints to me as inflamed and enlarged, as they try to protect the discs of the spine from rubbing together, or impinging on a nerve.