The spine comprises multiple facet joints, which connect the bones to help stabilize the spine and guide movement. Depending on the region, they also function in different ways. The thoracic facets in the upper and middle back, for example, provide flexibility and stability. They allow you to twist, turn and bear load through the thoracic spine. When the thoracic facets deteriorate, they cause thoracic facet syndrome.
Thoracic facet syndrome stems from the degeneration of the thoracic facet joints in the spine. Also called thoracic osteoarthritis, it results from worn cartilage, leading to inflammation that affects comfort, mobility and quality of life.
Due to the number of facets on thoracic vertebrae, the overlap between facet pairings and the way their functions are interconnected, a thoracic facet injury can manifest as pain in other areas of the body. This is known as referred pain. An example of a thoracic facet referral pattern is pain felt in the hips, buttocks, thighs or knees despite the injured area being the spine.
There are many reasons a thoracic facet syndrome may occur, including:
Depending on the main cause of your thoracic facet syndrome, your health care provider may recommend a few options to manage the pain, such as:
Our spine specialists at New York Spine Institute can create an individualized treatment plan to help you manage your thoracic facet joint pain symptoms.
In facet joint syndromes, the location of the damage will change how your condition manifests. Inflammation or injury affecting soft tissue structures may also lead to varying effects. Watch out for these common thoracic arthritis symptoms if you suspect a problem with your thoracic spine:
New York Spine Institute is one of the tri-state area’s largest multispecialty spine and orthopedic centers. Founded by Alexander B. de Moura, MD and FAAOS, we offer comprehensive medical services for patients with chronic pain and debilitating orthopedic conditions.
We offer specialized care to every patient, providing services and treatment that fit your needs. We combine our medical expertise with modern technology and medical practices to give our patients a high level of care.
We operate under the guidance of our board-certified and expertly trained specialists. Our specialists are some of the best in their fields, so you can be assured that you will receive excellent medical attention.
We cater to the spine and orthopedic needs of patients from all over the world. Our professional staff speaks different languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian.
Maintain your quality of life despite spine conditions. Seek professional diagnosis and treatment from the specialists at New York Spine Institute. Schedule a consultation today.
