Facet joint syndrome causes facet pain when there is too much pressure in the facet joints and the cartilage breaks, causing discomfort between two vertebrae at this joint. People always wonder what facet pain feels like and what its symptoms and treatments are. Today, we will discuss the symptoms of facet syndrome and its treatments, such as facet pain injections, physical therapy, medications, and exercises to treat facet pain.
What Are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome?
- Facet pain is often described as a widespread, dull aching in the low back just above the spine that might spread to the buttocks. It can be felt in the shoulders, back of the head, and neck.
- The person suffering from facet joint syndrome will have difficulty bending and twisting their spine because of the stiffness in the facet joint.
- A person will experience back pain and neck pain, mainly in the specific area of the spine where the pressure is building up.
- Another telltale sign of facet joint syndrome is the person’s compulsion to turn the entire body to look right or left.
- A person may find it very difficult to sit in a chair for a long time and then get out of the chair; this is a sign of lumbar spine syndrome and facet joint syndrome in the lower back.
- Sometimes, facet joint syndrome symptoms and pain can be similar to herniated disc symptoms.
- A person can feel pain in the legs and arms if there is increased pressure on the spinal nerves.
What is the Treatment for Facet Joint Syndrome?
While the above symptoms are telltale signs of facet joint syndrome, you must first undergo testing to be certain. After the diagnosis, a pain management specialist may help you with the following treatment for facet joint syndrome:
- Facet Pain Injections
- Physical Therapy
- Pain Medication,
- Exercise
Facet Pain Injections: These are the steroids that are used by pain specialists to treat facet joint syndrome and these injections have the ability to provide instant relief
Physical Therapy: Physical therapists may teach you correct lifting and walking skills, as well as work with you to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your lower back, legs, and stomach.
Pain Medications: A pain management specialist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce facet joint pain.
Exercise: Exercise combined with self-care can be very effective in facet pain treatment. Maintaining proper posture and keeping your spine in alignment is one of the most important ways to avoid unnecessary pain. You may need to modify your normal standing, sitting, and sleeping routines. Losing weight might relieve discomfort by reducing the stress on the facet joints.
How Effective Is a Facet Pain Injection?
The facet pain injection might give pain relief right away, and studies show that about 92% of the patients who have had facet pain injections show relief for a short period of time, after 1 to 4 weeks of taking the injection. Moreover, facet pain injections are non-surgical, painless treatments that can provide long-term comfort. The results vary from patient to patient, but good joint therapy can give pain relief for several months.
Always seek the advice of a healthcare expert or a pain management specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan based on your individual condition and needs. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment can sometimes lead to further issues, so obtaining expert help is advised.
