Selkänivelissä

Selkänivelissä, also known as vertebral joints or facet joints, are small synovial joints located on the posterior (back) side of the spine. They connect the superior articular process of one vertebra to the inferior articular process of the vertebra above it. Each vertebra in the thoracic and lumbar spine has four facet joints, two on each side. In the cervical spine, they are oriented more horizontally and are often referred to as zygapophyseal joints. These joints are lined with articular cartilage and enclosed by a joint capsule, allowing for a degree of movement between the vertebrae.

The primary function of the selkänivelissä is to guide and limit spinal motion, providing stability and preventing excessive movement that could lead to injury. They play a crucial role in bending, twisting, and extending the spine. The orientation of these joints varies along the vertebral column, influencing the type and range of motion possible in different spinal regions. For example, the more horizontal orientation in the cervical spine allows for greater rotation, while the sagittal orientation in the lumbar spine restricts rotation and primarily permits flexion and extension.

Pain originating from the selkänivelissä is a common cause of lower back pain and neck pain. This pain can arise from inflammation, degeneration (osteoarthritis), or injury to these joints. Conditions like facet joint syndrome or facet joint arthropathy specifically refer to problems within these structures. Diagnosis often involves physical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and sometimes diagnostic injections to pinpoint the source of pain. Treatment approaches can include physical therapy, pain medications, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, radiofrequency ablation to target the nerves supplying the facet joints.