Facet Joint Pain
Facet Joint Pain
Facet joints are the small spaces between vertebrae that allow for the bending and shifting of the spine. When the nerves and tissues between the vertebrae become inflamed, you may suffer from pain in the facet joints. Fortunately, there are several effective non-surgical treatments available. You don’t have to live with facet joint pain, and we can help you get closer to your previous range of motion without all of the pain that can come with inflamed facet joints.
SYMPTOMS OF FACET JOINT PAIN
Diagnosis can be challenging because the condition can masquerade as other common spine and muscular problems. The symptoms may be reminiscent of a herniated disc, a deep infection, a fracture, or torn muscle. Even abdominal problems can mimic facet joint pain, so other issues must be ruled out for an accurate diagnosis. However, that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost when it comes to this condition. Finding the right physician with the experience and history of treating facet issues is key when it comes to diagnosing and treating this condition properly.
Facet joint pain is marked by acute episodes of pain, but they are intermittent, usually unpredictable, and happen just a few times a month or year. Most patients experience some loss of flexibility in the spine and will report tenderness at the point of the pain. While pain from a herniated disc may radiate through the front of the leg or down into the knee and foot area, facet joint pain in the lower back will radiate down into the buttocks and the back of the upper leg. Cervical facet joint pain radiates locally, into the shoulders or upper back.
CAUSES OF FACET JOINT PAIN
Facet pain is a symptom but may have various underlying causes. You may have an arthritic or locked facet joint, bone spurs, also known as degenerative facet joint osteophytes, or joint capsule scarring, thickening, or shortening. Muscle spasms can also cause pain from the facet joints. Either uncontrolled motion (caused by a lack of support from weak muscles) or degeneration (as from arthritis) can cause facet joint pain.
Since joint pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition, it is important that you don’t ignore it. If you think you are having facet joint pain, consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and the best way to manage your specific cause moving forward.
FACET JOINT TREATMENTS
Long-term treatment will include a physical therapy routine, learning good posture, and possibly pain relief strategies. The approach that your treatment team takes will depend heavily upon the specific cause of your pain. The application of heat- hot pads or hot water bottles, or cold pad applications may provide temporary immediate relief.
Also, it may be necessary to change routines to allow for more periods of rest and getting up and moving around more frequently. Pain killers and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to reduce swelling and irritation. Regardless of the desired treatment plan, it is important to focus on following that plan as carefully as possible to result in the best outcome possible. Proper facet treatments can provide the desired relief you need to get your life back to where you want it to be.
NON-SURGICAL SPINE CENTER
Dr. Alexander established the Non-Surgical Spine Center with the mission of providing patients and clinicians with a non-surgical alternative in the treatment of spine and musculoskeletal pain. Utilizing the most current and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, our group offers patients a multitude of options for improving daily function and quality of life while significantly decreasing levels of pain. This is the same approach we use for improving facet joint pain symptoms and underlying conditions. If you have back pain, feel free to contact our office at 843-856-9669 or online.