According to the Internet Society of Orthopedic Surgery & Trauma, arthritis of the lumbar facet joints can result in substantial lower back pain. The facet joints connect the vertebrae to one another. Facet joint arthritis typically develops gradually. This is due in part because the main cause of this condition is spinal degeneration that slowly occurs as people age. There are a number of therapies available to treat facet joint arthritis.
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints, and is often accompanied by pain, swelling and stiffness. One or more joints may be affected by the arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the joints are attacked by their own immune system. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage wears away, leaving no protective barrier between connecting bones. Arthritis may be diagnosed using the following methods.