What is Facet Joint Syndrome?

 

Facet joint syndrome is a medical condition that impacts the spine’s facet joints - the small, paired joints that connect adjacent vertebrae at the back of the spine. Facet joint syndrome happens when these joints become damaged, irritated, or inflamed. If you or someone you know is challenged by spinal joint pains, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, offers non-invasive treatments to help manage facet joint syndrome and its symptoms.

Facet Joint Syndrome Causes

Facet joints provide the stability required to allow the spine to move freely, which includes extending, flexing, and rotating. While the most common cause of this spinal condition is joint degeneration as a function of time –i.e., wear and tear, facet joint syndrome, which is also known as facet joint osteoarthritis or facet joint arthropathy, may also be caused by repetitive stress, trauma, injury, or an atypically aligned spine.

Facet Joint Syndrome Symptoms

The primary symptoms of facet joint syndrome include the following-

Localized Pain

The joints affected by this condition usually generate pain and discomfort. While the pain may be sharp, throbbing, or achy, it is generally localized to the area of the spine afflicted, i.e., the cervical spine/neck, upper back/thoracic spine, or lower back/lumbar spine.

Painful Motion/Movements

Those movements or activities that put stress on the impacted joints will heighten or intensify the facet joint pain. In addition, pain may radiate to nearby areas.  

Reduced Flexibility/Stiffness

The range of motion in the affected area may be limited.

Muscle Spasms

Muscles near the affected joints may spasm in response to joint inflammation and related pain. 

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment Options

Treatment options for this condition seek to reduce pain and inflammation while improving or maintaining mobility and range of motion-

Spinal Manipulations/Adjustments

Spinal adjustments help to restore proper alignment, reduce pain, improve joint function, and prevent nerve irritation.

Mobilization

Mobilization techniques help to improve the mobility of the affected joints.

Soft Tissue/Massage Therapy

Massage and other soft tissue therapies address muscle tension and tightness around the afflicted facet joints. This can help with joint function and the reduction of muscle spasms.

Therapeutic Exercises-Posture Guidance

Exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles supporting and stabilizing the spine. They can improve flexibility and help prevent additional degeneration of the joints. Additionally, guidance on posture can help reduce future facet joint pressure and pain.  

Call a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Today

For additional information regarding the treatment of facet joint syndrome, contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or reach out using our online contact form. We look forward to creating a customized facet joint treatment plan.