Zygapophyseal joint arthropathy is arthritis affecting the small facet joints of the spine.
Symptoms often include neck or back pain, stiffness, and pain that gets worse when twisting, bending backward, or standing for long periods.
Imaging helps show whether the small joints at the back of the spine are worn, inflamed, or contributing to the pattern of spinal pain.
CT and MRI help show joint degeneration, surrounding inflammation, and whether the findings fit the pattern of back pain.
Treatment may include physiotherapy, pain medicines, injections, lifestyle adjustment, and spine specialist review.
This entry explains the condition. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
