Facet Joint Syndrome
Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL and Margate, FL
Facet joint syndrome is a condition like arthritis that causes back and neck pain. The spine is made up of many vertebrae that function as a three-joint complex with a large disc in the front and two facet joints in the back. Facet joint syndrome occurs when degeneration occurs in the joint and causes inflammation.
Facet Joint Syndrome Symptoms
Facet joint degeneration can be painless until something irritates it. Many symptoms indicate facet joint syndrome, including but not limited to:
- Dull ache in the lower back directly over the spine that can also spread to the buttocks; when it’s in the neck, it can be felt in the shoulders and the back of the skull
- Bending backward or twisting sideways will cause pain
- Standing or periods of inactivity may make the pain worse
Facet Joint Pain Exercises
Below are some exercises to help relieve facet joint pain all while strengthening and stretching your back:
- Lying glute stretch
- Pelvic tilt on the floor
- Lying pelvic tilt
Facet Joint Pain Treatment
There are many exercises, such as above, that people can use to help relieve fact joint pain. However, sometimes other treatments may work better for others. Below are some more treatment options:
- Posture Correction – Maintaining a good posture can help treat and prevent facet joint pain
- Hot and Cold Therapy – During pain, ice and heat application can help ease symptoms
Medications – Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve pain
What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?
Many factors can cause discs to degenerate, including age. Below are some specific factors that apply:
- When people are born, discs are made up of about 80% water, as we age, the discs dry out, and don’t absorb shock as well
- Daily activities and sports can cause tears in the outer core of the disc. By the age of 60, everyone has some sort of degeneration, however, not everyone has pain
- Injuries can cause swelling, soreness, and instability, which results in back pain
Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease
Common symptoms of this condition include but are not limited to:
- Pain that worsens when sitting
- Pain that worsens when lifting, bending, or twisting
- Feeling better while walking or running over sitting or standing
- Periods of severe pain that come and go
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Weakness in the leg muscles
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment
Although this condition is not fully curable, there are many treatments to help the symptoms. These treatments include:
- Back bracing to help with short-term immobilization
- Over-the-counter medications to help with pain, swelling, and inflammation
South Florida Orthopedic Group, formerly known as Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence, is proud to offer spine care in Fort Lauderdale and Margate. We offer nonsurgical treatment of spine conditions. When less invasive treatment options are not enough, you and your doctor can discuss having back surgery to see if it is right for you. For some people, the best way to overcome back pain is to have surgery.
Facet Joint Syndrome Specialists in Ft. Lauderdale & Margate, FL
To schedule a consultation at one of our two conveniently located South Florida locations, call South Florida Orthopedic Group (formerly known as Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence) in Fort Lauderdale at (954) 771-8177 or in Margate at (954) 580-4080. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.