What is the prognosis?
Since a facet syndrome cannot be cured, it is generally said to last a lifetime. However, this does not mean that one has to suffer from pain for a lifetime. In the meantime, there are various surgical therapies available in addition to drug therapy that reduce the pain in the long term.
A facet syndrome is not curable. The pain that occurs with a facet syndrome is caused by arthrosis of the small vertebral joints. This means that the cartilage wears out due to physical strain.
Since the cartilage cannot regenerate, the arthrosis and thus the facet syndrome remains. A long-term improvement of the pain can be expected through drug therapy and physiotherapy. Furthermore, there is the possibility of various surgical techniques to reduce the pain in the long term. How long one is on sick leave or how long one is incapacitated for work cannot be said in general. The strength of the pain, how well a treatment works and the profession you work in are decisive.It is important to reduce the physical strain and to wait until the inflammation in the area of the facet joint has subsided before starting work again.
Is it allowed to do sports with a facet syndrome?
Sport can be both a cause and a therapy for facet syndrome. First of all, many sports can put a strain on the spine and trigger the facet syndrome through strong, jerky movements. In sports such as basketball, there is increased strain on the intervertebral discs and consequently on the facet joints.
However, weight training and sports such as cycling and swimming can have a positive influence on the course of the facet syndrome. All sports that are easy on the intervertebral discs and joints but require a high level of muscle activity and stability in the back are preferable in the case of facet syndrome. Which sports should be avoided and which can be practiced without hesitation should be discussed with the orthopedist or physiotherapist.
