Hi John,
Don't mean to be pedantic but I will presume you mean zygapophyseal joints
when you state facet joints.
Not sure about 'syndrome' but for a brief explanation of the role of
zygapophyseal joints in back pain see Biomechanics of Back Pain by Adams et
al (2002). Excellent unbiased review of anatomy and scientific evidence in
this minefield of a topic. Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine and Sacrum
by the Bogduk also provides similar anatomy and consideration of role of
zygapophyseal joints in pain production/ presentation.
Another often cited article is by Kuslich et al who looked at pain
provocation in various spinal structures and tissues and found that the
zygapophyseal joint was "sometimes tender". However it should be noted that
this study involved patients undergoing surgery for herniated discs or
spinal stenosis and as such the results cannot be extrapolated to injured/
pathalogical zygapophyseal joints.
As regards my own experience, it is very limited as I am still only in my
junior rotations being 2 years qualified and as such have little to offer in
the area of anecdotal advice.
Hope this post has been some help
Yours
Craig Chambers
Adams MA, Bogduk N, Burton K, Dolan P, (2002). The Biomechanics of Back
Pain. Churchill Livingstone, London.
Bogduk, N (1997). Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine and Sacrum (3rd ed.).
Churchill Livingstone, London.
Kuslich SD ,Ulstrom CL and Michael CJ (1991). The Tissue Origin of Low Back
Pain and Sciatica. Orthopaedic Clinic of North America. 22(2).
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