Facet Syndrome is friction between spinal bones resulting in tenderness, swelling, stiffness and pain. Also, persistent, chronic pain in your spine is often linked to facet syndrome. In patients over 50 years of age, facet syndrome is usually caused by normal wear and tear. However, in younger patients, this condition is typically due to trauma and injury.
If you’re struggling with stiffness, discomfort, or limited mobility, you may be wondering: how do you treat facet syndrome? Fortunately, there are a variety of effective, non-invasive treatments that can help you regain comfort and function—many of which are available through chiropractic care.
In this blog post, we’ll cover a few basics about facet syndrome before getting into facet syndrome treatments you can pursue. First, what causes facet syndrome?
What Causes Facet Syndrome?
Facet syndrome can happen anywhere in your spine. This syndrome develops in the facet joints between each vertebra. Under normal conditions, these joints are in continuous motion giving the spine both flexibility and stability for every day movements.
Did you know that our joint surfaces are lined with cartilage allowing them to move easily over each other? So, as we get older, the cartilage gradually deteriorates, and growths called “bone spurs” develop. As a result, this increased friction between your spinal bones leads to swelling, tenderness, pain and stiffness.
Although, in many patients, arthritis is believed to be the result of aging, traumatic injuries and overuse speed up this degenerative process.
What are the Risk Factors for Facet Syndrome?
When a joint is damaged through injury, natural deterioration, or repetitive trauma, the joint will become stiff, swollen and painful. Although, you may experience inflammation, it is typically temporary. However, in arthritic joints, it may cause long-term pain or permanent disability. Below are additional risk factors:
- Excessive weight
- Overuse due to heavy physical labor or sports
- Presence of conditions such as gout, infections or arthritis
- Damage may be due to older injuries, including whiplash
- Sleeping with your neck in a twisted position
- Family history of facet syndrome
- Sudden jerk of your neck
- Even, twisting while you lift something overhead
- Along with trauma to the spine
What are the Most Common Symptoms?
- Pain that is worse in the morning or at the end of day
- Change in weather can worsen pain
- Lower back pain that travels into the thighs, buttocks, or pelvic area
- Neck pain that travels into the head, shoulders or arms
- Headaches that include aches behind the eye, pain at the base of the skull, and/or ringing in the ears
- The sound of bone on bone when you move
- Abnormal curvature of your spine
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
- Pain when standing for long periods of time
- Increased pain when riding or sitting in your car for long periods of time
How Is Facet Syndrome Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis starts with an experienced doctor. Facet Syndrome symptoms overlap with several types of disorders. Properly diagnosing the correct cause of your pain is critical to successful treatment.
- Firstly, with a thorough clinical examination
- Secondly, including a complete health history, review of your symptoms, and physical evaluation
- Testing can include x-rays, MRI or CT scans
- Lastly, these advanced diagnostic methods ensure that the source of pain is pinpointed
Dr. Jeanett Tapia works with a patient at the Intouch Chiropractic office
How Do You Treat Facet Syndrome?
The first line of treatment for facet syndrome is almost always non-surgical, focusing on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further joint degeneration. Here are three common treatments you may come across as you look to deal with facet syndrome:
- Facet Joint Injections
- Medial Branch Blocks
- Radiofrequency Neurotomy
At our San Diego chiropractic office, we have seen success with facet syndrome patients using the following treatment types:
Above all, as chiropractors, we always encourage patients to opt for non-invasive, drug-free alternatives if at all possible. For instance, for some patients, pain management through narcotics will be required as a last resort. In conclusion, both chiropractic care and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression are effective in treating neck and low back pain caused by this condition with a natural approach that does not require medication, injections or surgery.
If you would like to learn more or to get into the Intouch Chiropractic office for facet syndrome treatment, schedule a consultation.
“I am so thankful for Intouch Chiropractic! My migraines, neck pain, cognitive and emotional struggles from too many concussions have all become a thing of the past under the care of Dr. Tapia and Dr. Young. I don’t know how I was making it through before NUCCA care!” – Intouch Chiropractic Review by Amanda B.
Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or request an appointment here.
