Facet Syndrome, Symptoms and Treatment
Do you feel back pain when you stand for a long time? Do the discomforts improve when you lean forward? Maybe you are suffering from facet syndrome! Visit my office for a concrete diagnosis and effective treatment.
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Facet syndrome
The facets of the spine are joint structures that allow the correct connection between one vertebra and another, these are located along the back of the spine; Its function is to provide support, mobility and stability to the vertebrae.
It is very common for the facet joints to undergo degenerative changes over the years, which leads to the vertebral bones rubbing together when sliding and friction in the area. This irritation or friction wears away the joint cartilage, giving rise to facet syndrome.
Types of Facet Syndrome
Facet syndrome can originate at any level of the spine: lumbar, cervical or dorsal; Cervical facet syndrome and lumbar facet syndrome are more frequent, we will talk about these two below.
Cervical facet syndrome
It manifests as a result of irritation or degeneration of the cervical facets; Although it is less common than lumbar cancer, it still generates pain and different discomforts that can deteriorate the quality of life of the person who suffers from it.
Symptoms
Cervical facet syndrome is distinguished by causing pain, stiffness and restriction in cervical rotation movements in one or more of the vertebrae that make up the posterior and upper region of the neck.
Lumbar facet syndrome
Lumbar facet syndrome is the most common of all. Most people diagnosed with facet syndrome have damage to the L4 and L5 or L5 and S1 vertebrae, all of which are located in the lowest part of the spine.
Symptoms of Lumbar Facet Syndrome
The symptoms of lumbar facet syndrome are much broader than those of cervical facet syndrome. Pain continues to be the main protagonist; however, it is not only located in the lumbar area, it can also radiate to adjacent parts such as: the groin, buttocks and thighs.
Little by little, the symptoms of lumbar facet syndrome can be aggravated as a result of joint compression, which is why people with this condition may feel relief when they curve their back forward and more pain when they maintain a continuous posture while standing or sitting.
Causes of Facet Syndrome
The main triggers of facet syndrome are:
Aging
Deterioration of the facet joints occurs naturally as the body ages; For this reason, those most affected by this syndrome are usually people between 40 and 70 years of age.
Obesity
Excess body weight subjects the facet joints to a continuous state of stress and pressure, making them more vulnerable to developing facet syndrome.
Injuries and Trauma
Suffering trauma resulting from a blow, fall or accident; as well as the practice of high-impact sports, can cause facet syndrome to progress more quickly.
Degenerative diseases
Degenerative joint disorders such as osteoarthritis are closely related to the onset of facet syndrome.
Poor body posture
Maintaining poor postural positions when working or exercising can cause alterations in the curvature of the spine. If the vertebrae curve forward, they will generate more stress and pressure on the structures of the spine, so the risk of facet syndrome could increase considerably.
Diagnostic process - What to do in the event of a symptom?
Facet syndrome is diagnosed through a medical examination, which takes into account the symptoms mentioned above. Additionally, the specialist may require other tests such as: X-rays, CT scans or MRIs, to check the condition of the vertebrae and the extent of wear.
Treatment
Depending on the symptoms the patient is showing and the results of imaging tests, treatment for facet syndrome might include one or more of the following:
Drugs
Conservative treatment usually begins with the controlled prescription of anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids, to relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Infiltrations
The infiltration of corticosteroids around the affected facet joints provides rapid relief from pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapy
In cases like this, the physiotherapist could try to reposition the joints through different manual techniques to reduce friction and, therefore, facet pain. On the other hand, physiotherapy exercises are useful to strengthen and give more stability and flexibility to the structures of the spine.
Rhizolysis
Radiofrequency facet rhizolysis is a minimally invasive technique applied to the affected area, which consists of performing several punctures in the irritated facets to destroy the nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain using radiofrequency.
Surgery
Although most patients achieve prolonged relief with conservative treatments, there are complex cases where a surgical procedure should be considered. Surgery is usually reserved especially for people who did not have good results with conservative treatment or for those who have a bone deformity that compresses a nerve.
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I invite you to schedule a medical appointment with me; In this way, I will be able to carefully evaluate your condition and offer you the best treatment or surgery alternatives to eradicate back pain and recover your general well-being.
