Facet Syndrome

What Is Facet Syndrome?

Facet syndrome is a common challenge today, causing pain and stiffness in the back or neck. At CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center, the team of seasoned pain management specialists understands how frustrating and exhausting living with facet syndrome can be. They take a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach to improving every aspect of your life and getting you back to living again. With offices conveniently situated in Olney, Rosedale, Hyattsville, Lanham, Gaithersburg, Dundalk, and Baltimore, Maryland, it’s easy to get the help you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is facet syndrome?

Facet syndrome occurs when the facet joints of the spine become inflamed or start to break down. These tiny joints, located in pairs between each vertebra (spine bone), normally help you move smoothly and stabilize your spine.

But, facet joints can develop problems due to wear-and-tear (the normal aging process), repetitive stress, or injury. This leads to significantly uncomfortable symptoms.

What are the telltale signs of facet syndrome?

Facet syndrome causes symptoms in either the lumbar (lower) or cervical (upper) spine. You can experience:

Dull pain
Pain that shoots into your hip, buttock, or leg
Stiffness
Crepitus (the sensation of grating joints when you move)

Many people with facet syndrome find that their pain is worse in the morning, after exercise, or after sitting for long periods. But the pain can ease when you hunch over or bend forward, as this takes the pressure off your spine.

Can doctors treat facet syndrome without surgery?

Absolutely! The CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center team specializes in treating facet syndrome without surgery. They treat facet syndrome guided by a trio of goals: relieving pain, improving physical function, and restoring quality of life.

Typical treatment programs can include:

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or prescription pain relievers can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.

Physical therapy

Special exercises and stretches strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improving your flexibility. Physical therapy also promotes better posture, which eases pressure on the facet joints.

Interventional procedures

There are several interventional treatment options for facet syndrome. The CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center team specializes in injection therapy. The most common injections include a blend of a corticosteroid and an anesthetic. They can provide significant pain relief by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals for weeks or months.

Lifestyle modifications

Making simple changes in your home and workplace can help control facet syndrome pain. For example, try ergonomic equipment at work. The team also recommends eating healthy foods, engaging in regular low-impact exercise, and watching your weight.

If you suspect that you have facet syndrome or your doctor recently diagnosed you with this condition, seek treatment right away. Our skilled pain management team at CHOICE Pain & Rehabilitation Center are experts in diagnosing and treating facet joint pain using nonsurgical methods that fit easily into your lifestyle.