Facet syndrome can impact quality of life, making it difficult to stand up straight and your ability to turn or rotate your spine. You can visit a spine doctor at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics to receive a diagnosis and treatment for facet syndrome. Here are some frequently asked questions about facet syndrome:
What Is Facet Syndrome?
Facet joints support the spine. They are small joints that are located at the connection points on both sides of the lumbar and cervical spine. Cartilage coats the bones inside the joint, which helps them move smoothly against one another. Connective tissue containing lubricating capsules around facet joints allows the vertebrae to bend, allowing you to stretch and flex your body.
Facet syndrome occurs when the joints deteriorate and become painful. The cartilage wears away, and the facet joints become stiff and swollen. This makes it more difficult for the spine to bend, impacting your ability to perform everyday movements such as standing up from a chair. People with facet syndrome may experience lower back pain, stiffness, and muscle weakness. Bring a record of these symptoms to your first visit with a spine doctor at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics. This record can be in the form of a diary detailing your pain, including notes of symptom changes during the day or what positions increase pain.
What Causes Facet Syndrome?
Overexertion of your joints can cause facet syndrome. The demands of repetitive or strenuous activity could lead to joint deterioration. This includes years of lifting heavy objects at a job or a long sports career. Injuries to the spine or back, such as trauma caused by whiplash after a car accident, can result in facet syndrome. This condition may be more likely to occur as you age, as the cartilage wears down over time.
What Treatments Are Available?
Treatments for facet syndrome are available to alleviate back and neck pain and enhance mobility, thereby improving quality of life. This includes non-surgical options such as anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Our team can work with you to create an exercise plan to help you increase your range of motion.
Options for facet syndrome treatment include steroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. PRP therapy involves taking a blood sample and separating the platelets, then injecting them into the spine. Our multiple-spin protocol produces high-dose PRP, resulting in average doses containing between 12 and 24 billion platelets. Once injected, the platelets release growth factors that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
What Are Facet Steroid Joint Injections?
Facet joint steroid injections work by injecting steroids such as cortisone into and around your facet joints. This helps to quickly reduce pain and inflammation in these areas. These injections can also act as a diagnostic tool, as they help identify the origin of the pain. When performing injections, we provide local anesthesia and use fluoroscopy, or X-ray guidance, to target the correct areas. Facet joint injections can be completed within 15-20 minutes.
Visit a Spine Doctor Today
During your initial consultation, we will perform an orthopedic exam and biomechanical assessment and review your facet syndrome symptoms. You can upload your X-rays or MRIs directly to our website to receive a free PRP quote. To schedule an appointment with a spine doctor at Regenerative Medicine and Orthopedics, we invite you to call, text, or complete our online form.