Back Pain
Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Causes, Symptoms

and Treatments.

What is it?

Facet joint osteoarthritis causes the breakdown of the cartilage between the facet joints in the spine. The lack of cartilage between the facet joints produces immense pain and stiffness.

 

COMMON CAUSES

Facet joint osteoarthritis occurs due to internal damage in the facet joints. In a healthy spine, the facet joints are separated by cartilage discs that minimize friction when the joints rub against each other.

When your cartilage is worn or damaged, there’s no mechanism to cushion the impact of the joints rubbing together. The friction produced by the facet joints leads to inflammation, sending pain signals through the entire back.

MAIN SYMPTOMS

Facet joint osteoarthritis manifests slowly and gradually. You may experience sudden bursts of acute neck or back pain in the initial stages for short periods a few times a year.

The muscles and ligaments around the affected joints may feel tender to the touch. Facet joint osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine (lower back) may produce shooting pains that spread down the buttocks and the backs of the upper legs. Facet joint osteoarthritis in the neck region may produce shooting pains in the shoulders.

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FACET JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT

F.J OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT

LUMBAR EPIDURAL INJECTIONS

Epidural steroid injections deliver an anesthetic and corticosteroids directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation around the nerves, enhances mobility, and allows you to resume your daily activities. The treatment is often combined with physical therapy. Corticosteroids usually provide relief for several weeks or months.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Physical therapy and other conservative treatments are usually the first line of defense against facet joint osteoarthritis. A well-curated recovery program helps you regain muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility to reduce the pain and discomfort from facet joint dysfunction. Physical therapy may include using ice to decrease blood flow and manage the swelling and other facet joint osteoarthritis symptoms.

FACET JOINT ABLATION

Facet joint ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting radiofrequency energy into the nerve roots transmitting the pain signals into the patient’s brain. The radiofrequency injection prevents you from experiencing pain and discomfort from the targeted region, thus reducing the facet joint pains without relying on pain medications.

FACET JOINT ABLATION

Facet joint ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that involves injecting radiofrequency energy into the nerve roots transmitting the pain signals into the patient’s brain. The radiofrequency injection prevents you from experiencing pain and discomfort from the targeted region, thus reducing the facet joint pains without relying on pain medications.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER
FACET JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS

POST-TREATMENT IMPROVEMENT

Facet joint osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that doesn’t entirely go away. However, the right treatment regimen reduces the pain, discomfort, and symptoms, enabling you to live with the condition without significant discomfort. Most people find immediate relief from cortisone injections and facet joint ablation, but the relief is often temporary, and you may need further treatments.

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Will your health insurance cover your pain treatment?

Most pain treatments are covered by most health insurances, including medicare. Our insurance specialists are available to discuss your options call us to get started at (866) 446-0946 or fill out the form below:

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