Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment at Apex Interventional Pain & Spine

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.

What Are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome?

Depending on the number of damaged facet joints and the severity of damage, you may experience the following symptoms:

Concentrated dull pain in the lower back, shoulders, or back of the skull
Referred pain (away from the pain source) in the buttocks, thighs, knees, abdomen, and pelvic region
Radiating acute sciatica pain that moves along the buttock, thigh, leg, and foot, along with muscle weakness and fatigue
Increased pain when bending and twisting and during extended periods of standing or inactivity
Soreness on mild pressure being applied to the damaged facet joint
Difficulty in standing up or walking due to pain and stiffness after a long period of inactivity
Grinding or grating sensation (crepitus) in the facet joints during movement

What Is the Cause of Facet Joint Syndrome (Facet Arthropathy)?

The factors that cause breakdown or damage to the facet joints, leading to facet joint pain, include:

Osteoarthritis

It is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage tissues in the facet joints to break down over time

Injury

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

Wear and tear

Improper posture, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive bending and twisting movements can lead to wear and tear to the facet joint cartilage

Sedentary lifestyle

Long hours of sitting puts added stress on the neck and lower back, resulting in faster facet joint breakdown

Obesity

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.

What Are the Risk Factors of Facet Joint Syndrome?

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:

Older
Woman
African American
Overweight or obese

How Is Facet Joint Syndrome Diagnosed?

For an accurate diagnosis of facet joint syndrome, your healthcare provider may perform the following tests:

Medical evaluation: Medical history and physical examination to assess joint mobility and tenderness in the spine
MRI, CT scan, or X-ray: to check for spinal issues
Diagnostic facet joint injection: An injection containing a local anesthetic and corticosteroid drug is administered using an X-ray fluoroscopy at the exact facet joint site. If your pain reduces considerably after the procedure, the condition is diagnosed as facet joint syndrome

What Is the Medical Treatment for Facet Joint Syndrome?

Based on the extent of damage and severity of symptoms, the treatment options for facet joint syndrome include:

Conservative therapies

Self-care: Staying active, having a healthy body weight, keeping the spine aligned, doing low-impact exercises, and using heat therapy, cold packs, and supportive braces
Physical therapy: Allows enhanced strengthening and flexibility of the back, leg, and back muscles and teaches proper lifting and walking techniques
Medication: Oral anti-inflammatory medicines and topical patches, creams, or lotions

Minimally invasive procedures

Steroid joint injections: Corticosteroid and an anesthetic is injected into the facet joint
Nerve radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency waves are used to destroy nerve endings in the damaged facet joint to prevent transmission of pain signals to the brain

Spinal fusion surgery

For more complex facet joint syndrome conditions, spinal fusion is performed to fuse the affected facet joint

Why Choose Apex Interventional Pain & Spine?

Apex Interventional Pain & Spine is a premier pain healthcare facility serving Coppell, Carrollton, Grapevine, TX, and surrounding areas. Our team, guided by Dr. Mohammad 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:

Receive Visibility Without Delay
State-of-the-Art Office
Convenient Location
Insurance Accepted

Get the Best Facet Joint Syndrome Solutions at Apex Interventional Pain & Spine

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.

Request an appointment Call Us: (972) 833-PAIN (7246)

FAQs

While there is no cure for facet joint syndrome, it can be managed effectively with home care therapies and treatments, including physical therapy, minimally invasive, and surgical interventions.

The recovery time depends on the treatment. A minimally invasive procedure requires up to a week, but a spinal fusion surgery may need almost six months of recovery time.

Knee lifts to the chest and posterior pelvic tilts are the best exercises for facet joint syndrome.

Degeneration of the joint causing facet syndrome is irreversible, but recovery with proper treatment is possible.

Facet joint syndrome mainly occurs among people who are over 40.

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in Coppell, Carrollton, Grapevine, TX, and Surrounding Areas