March 29, 2024

One Can Happen

The Healthy Lovers

Safe, Effective Diagnosis & Treatment for Facet Joint Syndrome in New Jersey

Facet joint syndrome is a condition that affects the facet joints (joints between and behind the vertebrae that are responsible for the spine’s flexibility and stability). This condition causes the facet joints to become inflamed and swollen. The commonly associated symptoms can be radiating or localizing neck or back pain, headaches, and restricted mobility. At the Center for the Functional Restoration for the Spine, the orthopedic spine specialists offer safe, effective diagnosis and treatment for facet joint syndrome in Shrewsbury, Edison, and Toms River, NJ. To get started, call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment. 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome?

The prevailing symptoms of your condition vary according to the location of the affected joints and nerves involved. If your cervical spine or neck joint is affected, it might result in radiating or localized headaches and neck pain, or it might be hard to turn your head.

On the other hand, if the affected joint is in your lumbar spine or lower back, it might result in back pain. The pain radiates through the buttocks, down to the legs, making it difficult for one to stand or walk. 

How to Diagnose Facet Joint Syndrome?

To determine if you have facet joint syndrome, your specialist will assess your back and medical history. If necessary, he or she might request an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan of your spine or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to ensure there is no underlying disorder that is causing the pain.

Once a comprehensive diagnosis is established, your provider can now develop a suitable treatment plan to address your condition. The practitioners at this state-of-the-art practice are quite compassionate and treat every patient like family, with a common goal of enhancing the spine’s flexibility and stability, thus improving the patient’s overall life quality.

How to Treat Facet Joint Syndrome?

Facet joint syndrome can be treated through a blend of non-surgical therapies structured to relieve your inflammation and associated symptoms. Some of the conservative procedures used include posture correction, medications, physical/exercise therapy, and posture correction.

Your provider might also recommend a non-invasive treatment known as a facet joint block. This procedure involves the injection of numbing medicine into or near the nerves, supplying the facet joint. If the patient realizes a significant reduction in the pain following the anesthetic administration, it’s considered a confirmation they suffered from facet joint syndrome.

If conservative treatment options fail to offer lasting relief, your provider might recommend spine surgery. The available surgical therapies offered at the Center for The Functional Restoration for The Spine include laminectomy, spinal fusion, and radiofrequency rhizotomy. To determine if you are the right candidate for any of these treatments, schedule an initial consultation with your select provider today.

To sum up, the decision to treat facet joint syndrome through non-invasive or invasive techniques necessitates careful consideration between the patient and their provider. Some of the things to consider include your overall physical health and specific condition. For more information, call the Center for the Functional Restoration for the Spine or use the online booking tool to request your appointment today.