Facet Syndrome - Do You Suffer from Facet Joint Syndrome?

Do you suffer from Facet Joint Syndrome? The facet joints are at the back of the vertebrae and occur in pairs. They link the vertebrae, working to permit movement in the spine, just like other joints in the body. However, because they are located near the spine, malfunction with the facet joints can cause pain in the buttocks, upper thighs, neck or even head. These joints are protected with a specialized tissue called articular cartilage. They are also lined with a thin membrane called the synovium, together with a fibrous sac called a joint capsule. Around all this is the synovial fluid surrounding the bones allowing the joint to move without friction. Facet syndrome refers to pain occurring in the facet joints. Sufferers most often feel pain in the lower back and/or neck, but it can be felt down into the thighs or buttocks, or cause headaches.

Possible causes of facet syndrome pain are injury or changes associated with aging. The cartilage cushion covering the bone wears away with age and as this cushion disappears, the bones begin to run together cause pain. Small nerves also branch out from between the facet joints. Pinching or irritation of these nerves can cause severe pain. Another factor in developing facet joint syndrome is if the spine is out of alignment due to poor posture. Disc degeneration, back injury, trauma, infection can also cause pain in the facet joints.

Possible causes of facet syndrome pain are injury or changes associated with aging. The cartilage cushion covering the bone wears away with age and as this cushion disappears, the bones begin to run together cause pain. Small nerves also branch out from between the facet joints. Pinching or irritation of these nerves can cause severe pain. Another factor in developing facet joint syndrome is if the spine is out of alignment due to poor posture. Disc degeneration, back injury, trauma, infection can also cause pain in the facet joints.

Often physical therapy is suggested for facet syndrome. This can reduce the inflammation and pain, while improving flexibility and muscle strength. However, it is a long term process and often does little to relieve the pain for weeks, or even months. Adjusting the way you do daily activities that provide stress and pressure on the spine can also help. While this can help in the short term, it is not a solution for the problem, but rather an avoidance of further damage. Medications such as Motrin can relieve the pain but do not resolve the root problem. An expensive surgery called radiofrequency rhizotomy might solve the problem, relieving pain and improving mobility. The procedure is the "de-nerving" of the facet joint through surgery.

A new method for treatment of facet syndrome exists, called Spinal Decompression therapy. This is non-surgical method works by relieving the cause of negative pressure on the spine. It can have a pronounced effect on the healing process by increasing the blood supply to the spinal area while removing the tension.

At Spine Care, a state-of-the-art chiropractic office located in Eastchester, NY, we have been treating patients who suffer from facet syndrome since 2001 using Spinal Decompression therapy. You don't have to live with facet syndrome. With the right treatment you can get back to your normal routine. Get on the road to recovery by contacting us today: