Dr. Justin B. Ledesma
Spine Surgery
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Dr. Kenneth S. Dauber
Physical Medicine, Spine, Hip and
Conservative Spine Care
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Dr. Daniel Sunwoo
Physical Medicine and Spine
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Facet Joint Syndrome
What is it?
Facet Joint Syndrome: Facet joints are small joints at each segment of the spin, these joints are necessary to help prevent excessive motion, over-twisting, or toppling over and are the stabilizing structure of the spine. Facet Joint Syndrome is a deterioration of the facet joints and it often occurs when the facet joints become to stressed and damaged from everyday wear and tear, injury to the back or neck or because of degeneration of an intervertebral disc.
Symptoms
When these joints get swollen and painful due to injury or arthritis, pain differs depending on which region of the spine is affected. If the upper (cervical) spine is affected, pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, or headaches may even occur. If it’s lower (lumbar) spine the pain may be felt in the lower back, buttocks or back of the thighs.
Treatment
Facet Joint Syndrome is typically treated first conservatively with rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In addition Facet Joint Injections/Blocks may be performed not only to diagnosis Facet Joint Syndrome but also to help alleviate the pain to allow the patient to receive physical therapy and treat the problem area. If non-surgical methods fail to relieve pain, more invasive procedures or surgeries may be performed.
If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, weakness of the neck, stiffness of the neck or have a spine injury, give us a call 972-250-5700 or make an appointment now.