- Resting to allow the facet joints to relax and reduce inflammation.
- Applying ice to the affected area in 10 to 15 minute intervals to help reduce inflammation.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises (Physical Therapy). [3] [6]
- Core exercises to help achieve good spine alignment and posture. [6]
- Posture/Ergonomics education to keep the facet joints in alignment and reduce unnecessary pressure on the affected facet joints. [6]
- Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, to ease muscle spasm in the muscles surrounding the affected facet joints. [1] [2] [6]
- Behavioral therapy [3]
What are some options for treating facet disease?
Treatments that may be performed at home to relieve lumbar facet pain include:
- Applying heat therapy. Heat therapy can help relax the muscles and open up blood vessels to allow blood flow and oxygen to reach the painful tissues, providing nourishment. ...
- Using a cold pack. ...
- Supporting the lumbar curve. ...
- Avoiding activities that worsen the pain. ...
- Staying active. ...
- Engaging in low-impact exercises. ...
- Using a supportive brace. ...
What are the symptoms of Facet joint disease?
- Throbbing lower back pain that radiates into the buttocks or upper thighs
- Pain that goes from the back of the neck out to the shoulders
- Bone spurs
- Inflammation
- Tenderness of certain areas of the spine
- Pain that is exasperated through certain spine movements, like twisting your back, bending over, leaning back, etc.
What are the symptoms of Facet syndrome?
- Neck pain
- Difficulty moving the head (needing to turn the whole body to look to the left or right)
- Headaches
- Radiating pain throughout upper neck, shoulders, and upper or middle back, as well as back of the head
What is facet pain?
Facet joint pain is usually characterized by things like intense pain that occurs sporadically, by the sensation of one’s back ‘locking up’ and placing them in a position that they can’t move out of for several moments, and by pain that radiates down the buttocks and upper legs or up into the shoulder blades. Rest is enough to overcome the issue.
What is the best treatment for facet joint pain?
Treatment. Injection of steroids into the facet joints can help relieve pain for a long period of time. Other conservative approaches include anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. For long-term relief and in more severe cases, a rhizotomy (burning the anterior or posterior spinal nerve roots) may be done.
Is there a permanent solution to facet joint pain?
For hundreds of thousands of people who suffer with chronic back pain due to facet arthritis, there is a treatment breakthrough that is completely noninvasive and can bring fast, permanent pain relief.
What aggravates facet joint pain?
Standing or periods of inactivity may worsen the pain. Activities that take the weight off the joint such as sitting, leaning forward, or changing positions may ease the pain. Facet joint symptoms may also mimic the pain of a disc herniation.
How do you get rid of facet joint inflammation?
Pain from Facet Joint Syndrome can be treated conservatively with postural correction, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic adjustment. These treatments can reestablish normal motion and increase the strength of the surrounding muscle to help support your spine.
Do facet joint problems show on MRI?
Often, arthritic changes in the facet joints can be seen on x-ray imaging. Advanced 3D imaging studies, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, are also essential to proper diagnosis.
Can chiropractors help facet joints?
Chiropractic is a proven, reliable treatment for relieving the pain and discomfort of facet syndrome. It helps restore mobility and flexibility while providing pain relief.
How long does it take for a facet joint to heal?
Prognosis of a facet joint sprain With ideal treatment, patients may be pain free in as little as several days, although typically this may take 2 – 3 weeks. It is important to note, however, that injured tissue takes approximately six weeks to restore the majority of its strength in ideal healing conditions.
Is facet joint pain serious?
While rare, a lumbar facet joint problem may indicate a serious underlying condition if one or more of the following signs and symptoms are present: Pain that suddenly becomes severe and intolerable. Numbness in the groin and/or genital area. Severe weakness in both legs.
How long does facet joint injections last?
You may experience enough relief to improve your mobility, something which should help you recover. Considering that doctors may recommend facet joint injections as frequent as three times a year, you can expect a positive outcome to last about four months. However, remember that it varies by patient.
How does facet joint pain feel like?
Typically, facet joint pain feels like a dull ache, localized to one area of the spine. The pain may be experienced on one or both sides, and often in the lower back or neck. Movements toward the affected joint will cause pain.
What are symptoms of facet joint problems?
Symptoms of Lumbar Facet Joint DisordersLocalized pain. A dull ache is typically present in the lower back. ... Referred pain. The pain may be referred to the buttocks, hips, thighs, or knees, rarely extending below the knee. ... Radiating pain. ... Tenderness on palpation. ... Effect of posture and activity. ... Stiffness. ... Crepitus.
Is facet joint syndrome arthritis?
Facet arthritis happens when the cartilage that covers the ends of the joints wears out and becomes thin. This can contribute to the growth of osteophytes (bone spurs) and hypertrophy (enlargement) of the joints. Facet arthritis can be associated with pain and stiffness.
Can facet joints be replaced?
Facet joints are replaced in a surgical procedure that removes a diseased or dysfunctional joint, which is then replaced with an artificial, prosthetic implant. Potentially, the procedure delivers pain relief and nerve decompression as well as improved spine stability.
Is facet joint surgery successful?
The researchers found that after facet fusion, the 2-year success rate was 96%, with a 99% efficacy rate for one-level fusion procedures. Overall, the procedure was found to be a safe, simple, and effective option for the treatment of patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and other spinal disorders.
Can facet arthropathy be cured?
Treatment. While there is no cure for facet arthropathy, there are ways to effectively manage the pain. Your orthopaedic specialist will work with you to find the least invasive treatment plan to manage your pain.
How do I strengthen my facet joints?
1:285:31Facet Joint Syndrome Stretches & Exercises - Ask Doctor Jo - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto the ground so hold that for about three to five seconds. And then do ten of those. Then you'reMoreInto the ground so hold that for about three to five seconds. And then do ten of those. Then you're going to go up into a bridge.
What is the best way to treat back pain from facet joint?
A minimally invasive facet fusion is the most recommended surgical option for eliminating back pain from conditions like facet arthritis and facet joint syndrome. This outpatient procedure is performed through a tiny incision and with no sutures needed.
How to treat a facet joint?
Initially, your treatment plan may include a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy, which will typically involve stretching and core strengthening exercises. Many patients with facet joint pain see significant improvement from this type of program and don’t need further treatment. However, if the facet joint pain has ...
How to treat spondylosis?
Spondylosis is usually well addressed with a combination of medication and physical therapy. For more serious cases, decompression surgery may be warranted. Two of the most popular types of minimally invasive decompression surgeries used today to treat this condition are: 1 Foraminotomy —Minimally invasive foraminotomy is performed through a very small incision in the back. We place a small tube between the muscle fibers to preserve the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, significantly reducing post-operative pain, recovery time, and the potential for any reinjury. Specialized instruments and microscopes are then used to remove a small piece of bone and soft tissue, taking pressure off of the nerve. This outpatient procedure involves very minimal blood loss and is sutureless. 2 Laminectomy —Minimally invasive laminectomy is a type of decompression surgery we perform through a small incision—typically just one-half-inch long—and with great care to preserve muscles, tendons, and soft tissue. The procedure takes about 45 minutes and patients are usually up and walking soon after it’s over. Since it’s an outpatient procedure, they’re able to return home within about an hour. Minimally invasive laminectomy may also be a viable option if more conservative treatments have not relieved the pain of facet hypertrophy.
What is the best treatment for spondylosis?
Spondylosis is usually well addressed with a combination of medication and physical therapy. For more serious cases, decompression surgery may be warranted. Two of the most popular types of minimally invasive decompression surgeries used today to treat this condition are:
How do you know if you have a facet joint problem?
However, there are some telltale signs you’ll want to be aware of. Common symptoms of facet joint problems include: Pain that is worse first thing in the morning or at the end of the day. Pain that changes or worsens because of the weather. Pain that improves or worsens when you sit or stand.
Why do my facet joints hurt?
Facet joint syndrome is one of the most common conditions related to these joints. The facet joints swell up due to spinal arthritis or injury , causing painful symptoms. If the facet joint issue is cervical, symptoms may include bad headaches and neck stiffness. If the affected joint is located in the lower back, there may be extreme pain in the back that extends down into the buttocks and thighs. Facet joint syndrome can make it hard to do simple movements like turning your head, standing up straight, or walking without being hunched over, depending on where the affected joint is located.
How is foraminotomy performed?
Foraminotomy —Minimally invasive foraminotomy is performed through a very small incision in the back. We place a small tube between the muscle fibers to preserve the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, significantly reducing post-operative pain, recovery time, and the potential for any reinjury.
What is the best medicine for facet joint pain?
Drugs like ibuprofen are commonly prescribed for managing facet joint pain. However, if the pain becomes chronic and debilitating, stronger pain medication such as opioids are also considered.
How to relieve pain from a sprained spine?
Taking Rest. Rest is one of the things that your physician will recommend. Relaxing your spine helps to reduce the inflammation at the facet joints which relieves pain.
What is the purpose of injections to the fact joint?
Injections to the fact joint can be used to either diagnose or treat facet joint pain. The therapeutic injection is given to the medial branch of the facet nerve of the affected joint. It is the branch of the facet nerve that controls the innervation to the joint itself. Numbing this branch can alleviate the pain all the downstream branches of the facet nerve significantly. The relief from facet joint injections is temporary, and there are limits on how frequently they can be administered.
What is the procedure to remove a damaged disc?
If the cause of the pain associated with facet joint degradation is a damaged intervertebral disc, removing the damaged part can relieve pain. Discectomy is a procedure of removing the damaged part of the disc that may be compressing the adjacent nerves (5). The procedure can alleviate symptoms such as numbness, pain and restore some strength.
Why does my back hurt?
Although there are several reasons for back pain, one of the most common is a problem with the facet joints of the spine, also known as Facet Syndrome.
What is conservative treatment?
The conservative treatment options are non-surgical treatments that are designed to relieve pain and partially restore the flexibility of the spine. Although these treatments do not affect the cause of the pain, they offer significant symptomatic relief. Some of the conservative options include the following.
Is facet joint pain non-invasive?
Thus, physical therapy is a viable treatment option for facet joint pain that is completely non-invasive.
What is the pain in the facet of the back?
Facet Joint Pain. Facet joint pain is a cause of pain in the back. The facet joints, also known as zygapophysial joints are synovial joints which help support the weight and control movement between individual vertebrae of the spine.
What does it mean when your facet joint hurts?
Symptoms of Facet Joint pain. Common symptoms associated with facet joint pain include muscle spasms which can pull the spine out of alignment and cause back pain. Often patients will report just bending over to tie a shoelace for example and suddenly being unable to move.
How do facet joints work?
The facet joints work together with the intervertebral discs to enable the spine to move. The facets have an articular cartilage or hard, smooth cartilage on the ends of the done which along with the joint capsule allows movement but also provides stability. Facet joints have a nerve supply from two levels, one branch arises from ...
Can you see a facet joint on a CT scan?
Diagnosis. Usually, damage at the facet joint can be seen on plain X-rays, which are taken from front to back, side to side and obliquely across the joint. In some cases, a CT scan can be used instead as this will show up more detail of other structures in order to rule them out.
Can facet locking cause pain in lower extremities?
Symptoms can vary greatly and be confused with disc-related disorders as its possible for patients to report referred pain into the lower extremities. The traditional facet locking syndrome may lead to such an acute attack but can be resolved successfully by freeing the offending joint and restoring normal function.
Conservative facet syndrome treatment options
Your physician will most likely first suggest a conservative approach to facet syndrome treatment. Including options such as:
Alternative facet syndrome treatment options
In addition to traditional conservative treatments, there are also many alternative methods you may want to consider to reduce the pain caused by facet syndrome. It is important to consult your doctor when exploring any of these treatment options. Some popular treatment options include:
When to consider surgery for facet syndrome treatment
Facet syndrome treatment doesn’t progress past conservative options in a large number of cases. However, if your pain and symptoms associated with facet syndrome cannot be relieved with nonsurgical methods, surgery may be recommended.
Our minimally invasive procedures include
Discectomy. The removal of part of a damaged disc. This procedure is intended to relieve the pressure that a damaged disc can place on neighboring nerve roots or the spinal cord. By decompressing the pinched nerve root or the spinal cord, the radiating symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness can be alleviated.
How to treat cervical facet joint?
The approach to treatment of cervical facet joint syndrome is typically conservative, and includes: 1 Resting to allow the facet joints to relax and reduce inflammation. 2 Applying ice to the affected area in 10 to 15 minute intervals to help reduce inflammation. 3 Stretching and strengthening exercises (Physical Therapy). [3] [6] 4 Core exercises to help achieve good spine alignment and posture. [6] 5 Posture/Ergonomics education to keep the facet joints in alignment and reduce unnecessary pressure on the affected facet joints. [6] 6 Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, to ease muscle spasm in the muscles surrounding the affected facet joints. [1] [2] [6] 7 Behavioral therapy [3]
What is facet joint pain?
Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain Syndrome. Widespread, achy back pain (affecting one/both sides of body) that radiates to one or both buttocks, sides of the groin, and thighs, and stops above the knee. [1] Pain may be chronic or come and go.
Why does my facet hurt?
Causes of Lumbar Facet Joint Pain. Facet joint degenerative osteoarthritis is the most common form of Facet joint pain. [1] . It is the result of degenerative changes to the joints that are located between the bones of the spine, known as the facet joints. This condition is often (not always) tied to the degenerative changes ...
What causes lumbar facet joint pain?
These conditions include: Overuse Injuries (i.e. traumatic fall, sporting injury, etc). [6]
How to get rid of a swollen facet joint?
Resting to allow the facet joints to relax and reduce inflammation. Applying ice to the affected area in 10 to 15 minute intervals to help reduce inflammation. Stretching and strengthening exercises (Physical Therapy). [3] [6] Core exercises to help achieve good spine alignment and posture. [6]
How to get rid of a swollen back?
How to do it: – Begin by lying on your back with your feet positioned flat on the floor. – Inhale and then exhale while you draw in your abdominal muscles and push your belly button towards the floor as your try to – flatten your lower back. – Hold this position for 5 seconds. – Aim for 10 repetitions of this exercise.
Can lumbar facet joint be reversed?
While lumbar facet joint syndrome cannot be reversed, research has shown that exercise, certain lifestyle changes, and management of back pain with conservative treatment methods, including rest, ice, heat and over-the-counter medications, can help to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Facet joint syndrome
The joints in the spine are called “facets.” Each vertebra in the spine has two sets.
What aggravates facet joint pain?
Facet pain is usually heightened with activities that cause excess movement of the spine such as rotating or bending the spine backward, twisting, and lifting. Conversely, bending forward may relieve the pain.
Is there a cure for facet joint pain?
Facet joint syndrome can’t be cured, but the pain associated with it can be controlled.
Symptoms of facet joint syndrome
Depending on the number of facets involved and the magnitude of the disorder, patients suffering from Facet Joint Syndrome may experience the following symptoms:
Causes of facet joint syndrome
Facet joint syndrome is most commonly found in the neck (cervical region) and lower back (lumbar) and is caused by natural wear and tear on the joints (facets) over time.
Treatments for facet joint pain
Your doctor will recommend conservative therapies to start with, including suggestions on self-care, physical therapy, and medications. A full range of nonsurgical treatments are available, and typically several are done at the same time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about facet joint pain
Yes. Your doctor has several options when choosing the type of imaging they want to use to check the facet joint and adjacent structures. Between standard x-rays, medical resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, and other specialized tests, MRI is considered the best option for diagnosing and evaluating lumbar facet joint disease.