What Is Facet Syndrome?

Facet joints are a pair of joints on the back of the spine and are prone to arthritis. This is one of the most common causes of back pain. Just as arthritis in a person’s hand can cause enlargement of the joints, the same occurs in the back. When the facet joints enlarge, they can narrow the opening where the nerve roots leave the spinal cord and go out to the body. Symptoms can include neck pain without associated arm pain. The pain is typically described as an ache and centrally located.

Each segment of the spine consists of a three-joint complex that includes two facet joints, a large disc, and a vertebra. These structures provide stability, support, and enable flexible body movement in all directions. Facet syndrome is a condition of the spine that can cause significant pain in the back or neck. This condition generally occurs when the facet joints become inflamed, damaged, or worn down from overuse. Typically, patients experience increased discomfort when sitting or standing for long periods at a time. Treatment options include physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, medial branch blocks, facet joint injections, and radiofrequency denervation. Tricity Pain Associates has locations all across Texas that are run by highly trained and experienced pain management professionals. Reach out to one of our offices today to schedule an appointment to discuss your condition and all the options that are available to help diminish your pain.

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Common Symptoms Of Facet Syndrome

Signs and symptoms of facet syndrome may include:

  • A dull ache in the lower back
  • Stiffness or soreness in the neck and back
  • Discomfort when sitting or standing
  • A loss or decrease in muscle flexibility
  • Pain when bending backward or twisting from side to side
  • Pain that radiates down the buttocks, thighs, or back of the legs

These sensations may vary from patient to patient, which is why our team will take our time to listen to your concerns to develop a custom treatment approach that is suited to your unique needs.

Causes Of Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is caused by irritated or injured facet joints. This can occur for many reasons, such as constant, repetitive motion, or if the joints become worn down over time due to advanced age. Other factors that may contribute to this syndrome include injury, obesity, other spine disorders or medical conditions, poor posture, and damage to the cartilage or disc that help support the facet joints. Generally, facet syndrome is most common in men and women who are over the age of 40 and in individuals who are at higher risk for developing arthritis.

Treatments For Facet Syndrome

Unfortunately, facet syndrome can't be reversed, but there are a number of at-home treatments that can be performed to help ease your discomfort. This includes lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or incorporating low impact exercises, like walking and stretching. Other self-care instructions may involve improving poor posture by making minor adjustments to your daily sitting, standing, and sleeping positions. If these treatments don't work, other remedies, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections may help. In some cases, surgery may also be recommended.

Decrease Joint Pain

Improve your overall quality of life with expert pain management care at Tricity Pain Associates. Our experts are here to help you discover the best treatment forms for your condition so you can regain an active lifestyle without excruciating facet joint pain. Contact one of our offices today to schedule a private consultation to learn more about how we can help boost your spine health. We have facilities near all the major metropolitan areas in Texas to provide convenient, dependable service to local men and women.