Everything You Need to Know About Facet Syndrome and Pain Management

If you are dealing with unending and intense pain in your back and spine, you should contact a pain management specialist. St. Louis Pain Consultants specializes in pain management intervention strategies that work to lower the impact your pain has on your life. We work hard to find a treatment that fits your needs and helps you live a better life.

One of the most important things to understand about the human body is that it changes as we age. Each person ages differently. However, we all tend to experience an increase in pain and inflammation by the time we are in our fifties or sixties. The joints within our skeletal system degenerate and become inflamed through the process.

Many conditions can cause pain and inflammation of the spine. One such condition is Facet Syndrome, which can affect daily life in a debilitating way when left untreated. Fortunately, physical therapies, medications, and non-surgical procedures have been proven to help tremendously.

Everything You Need to Know About Facet Syndrome and Pain Management

1. What is it?

The term facet refers to multiple three-joint segments that form the spine. This segment has two facets that are attached by a large disc in the middle. Multiple facets stack up to form the spinal column which gives you stability and the ability to move. 

Facet joints support your weight and give you a free range of motion. As a result, they can become worn over time. Sometimes, the disc in between the facets degenerates and causes the facets to rub against each other that can cause inflammation.

This condition is called Facet Syndrome by the medical community. Fortunately, it is highly treatable.

2. Causes

Facet Syndrome has many causes. For instance, it is commonly the result of a whiplash injury such as that sustained in a car accident. Additional causes can include poor posture and overuse of the spinal column. Some spine conditions are genetic, which means some individuals are more susceptible to spinal injuries and medical issues.

Degeneration of the spine can lead to additional stress on the facet joints, which must bear the additional strain and loads. 

3. Symptoms

The spine is divided up into three portions: Cervical (lower), Thoracic (middle), and Lumbar (upper). Symptoms of Facet Syndrome can vary depending on where the inflammation is originating. Generally speaking, Cervical facet syndrome is felt in the base of the neck, skull, and upper back. Sometimes the strain will reach the shoulders. 

Facet Syndrome in the Lumbar portion of the spine is common and can cause pain in the buttocks, groin, hips, and thighs. Ultimately, it depends on where the facet joint is inflamed. Thoracic Facet Syndrome is the least common. The Thoracic portion of the spine is also the most rigid. As a result, pain levels tend to be lower.

4. Treatments

Diagnosing your pain is simply a matter of seeing a specialist and letting them conduct an examination. They will ask about any injuries you have endured and possibly order an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan.

Treatment for Facet Syndrome tends to include a combination of physical therapy and medication. Steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used. The goal is to restore movement to the portion of your spine that is affected.

Contact St. Louis Pain Consultants for Your Appointment!

St. Louis Pain Consultants provide relief of pain, prevent long-term disability, and help you to return you to your maximal activity level. We strive to develop treatment programs that offer long-term solutions to your pain. Call our team to learn more about our medical services!