Facet Joint Disorders Treatment Specialist Q&A

Facet joint syndrome is a medical condition affecting the facet joints of the spine and the surrounding areas, such as the neck, back and thighs. This spinal condition occurs when the facet joints get swollen and inflamed, often from injury, trauma, wear and tear, and/or arthritis. The swelling causes pain, which can affect a number of different areas, depending on the facet joints involved. For example, swollen facet joints in the neck can cause neck pain and difficulty moving the head side to side, and if the facet joints in the lower back become swollen, they can cause lumbago (low back pain), pain in the buttocks, and pain in the thighs.

Common symptoms of facet joint problems include:

– Neck pain and stiffness
– Limited range of motion
– Inability to look side to side
– Back pain and stiffness
– Pain in the buttocks, thighs
– Poor posture, such as a hunch
– Pinched nerve

Because facet joint problems can cause neck pain and severely limit range of motion in the neck, people with this condition often complain about having to turn their entire body when looking to the left or right. The pain and stiffness associated with this condition can make it difficult to stand up straight or get up from a seated position; it may also cause people to walk hunched over. The specific symptoms depend on where the affected joint is located and what nerve roots it affects, so there can be a wide range of potential symptoms and associated complications from problems with the facet joints.

There are a few different treatment options for people with facet joint syndrome, including the following:

– Physical Therapy — While it might seem counterintuitive at first, exercise is actually very important for the health and recovery of facet joint syndrome. A physical therapist can prescribe individualized exercises and stretches that strengthen the spine, and back and stomach muscles.

– Minimally Invasive Surgery — Some minimally invasive surgical procedures can be used to relieve pressure from the spinal column and nerves in the back, which are typically recommended before moving forward with any invasive procedures.

– Injections — Some injections, such as steroid injections and nerve blocks, may be used to ameliorate the pain associated with facet joint syndrome.

Facet joint syndrome is a general term that refers to dysfunction and pain in the facet joints. There is no one single cause for this condition; several injuries, illnesses and disorders can lead to the development of facet joint syndrome. Some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause facet joint syndrome, so it may be considered an autoimmune disease in some cases.

If you or someone you love is living with a facet joint disorder, trust the spine specialists at Global Neuro & Spine to provide you with a higher level of care. Contact us today to book an appointment with our facet joint disorders treatment specialist, or visit one of our six Florida locations. We serve patients from all across the Sunshine State, in Orlando FL, Conway FL, Edgewood FL, Jensen Beach FL, Ocean Breeze FL, Rio FL, Malabar Palm Bay FL, Melbourne FL, Atlantis FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, Fort Pierce FL, White City FL, St Lucie FL, Plantation FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Lauderhill FL, Winter Park FL, Bertha FL, Alafaya FL and surrounding areas.