Facet joint syndrome occurs due to degenerative joint changes between the vertebrae bones. The facet joints along the back of the spine link the bones in the spinal column, providing them with mobility and flexibility.
Degeneration and wear and tear cause the joints to inflame, which triggers pain signals transmitted by the nerve endings. This causes severe neck and back pain, known as facet joint syndrome, and occurs in the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) areas.
Also known as facet arthropathy, it has no cure, but with the new treatment for facet joint pain in Coppell, Carrollton, Grapevine, TX, and surrounding areas, you can live a pain-free and everyday life.
Depending on the number of damaged facet joints and the severity of damage, you may experience the following symptoms:
The factors that cause breakdown or damage to the facet joints, leading to facet joint pain, include:
It is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage tissues in the facet joints to break down over time
Trauma by an injury such as a fracture of the spine, torn ligaments, or damaged spinal disc caused by a fall, sports injury, or an accident can damage the facet joints
Improper posture, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive bending and twisting movements can lead to wear and tear to the facet joint cartilage
Long hours of sitting puts added stress on the neck and lower back, resulting in faster facet joint breakdown
Surplus body weight causes wear and tear of the facet joints due to sustained pressure and stress on the joints.
Another significant cause is family history. If a family member/s has osteoarthritis, you are more likely to have facet joint pain.
The risk factors may vary depending on the location of the facet joint syndrome.
For cervical facet arthropathy, the risk factor may be performing strenuous activities such as lifting, carrying, or pulling heavy loads.
For lumbar facet arthropathy, the risk increases if you are:
For an accurate diagnosis of facet joint syndrome, your healthcare provider may perform the following tests:
Based on the extent of damage and severity of symptoms, the treatment options for facet joint syndrome include:
Conservative therapies
Minimally invasive procedures
Spinal fusion surgery
For more complex facet joint syndrome conditions, spinal fusion is performed to fuse the affected facet joint
Apex Interventional Pain & Spine is a premier pain healthcare facility serving Coppell, Carrollton, Grapevine, TX, and surrounding areas. Our team, guided by Dr. Mohammed I. Khan, a board-certified physician in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain management, offers personalized treatment plans that help our patients return to everyday life faster.
Our advanced pain solutions for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including facet joint syndrome, offer freedom from pain and allow our patients to live wholesome lives.
A few highlights of our exceptional services are:
Are you seeking effective long-term solutions for neck and lower back pain in and around Coppell, Carrollton, and Grapevine, TX? Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our treatment options for facet joint syndrome.