We Can Treat Your Back Pain Without Surgery
Facet syndrome is a spinal condition that causes persistent pain in the back or neck. It is usually caused by normal wear and tears on the spine, with symptoms usually presenting themselves after age 50. Younger people who suffer from facet syndrome most likely suffered a spinal injury.
Each vertebra in the spine has a coating of cartilage that allows it to glide past other bones without any issues. Cartilage wears down over time, making the friction between bones more intense. This can result in bone spurs, pain, and arthritis.
Risk Factors for Facet Joint Syndrome Include:
- Obesity
- Regular sports activity
- Heavy labor on a regular basis
- Family history
- Injuries
- Pre-existing conditions of gout, arthritis, or infections
Explore Your Treatment Options
Before treatment can begin, your doctor will need to confirm that facet syndrome is the cause of your back pain. A comprehensive clinical exam must be performed, wherein your medical history is reviewed, your symptoms analyzed, and a complete physical assessment takes place. Imaging devices may be needed to take a closer look at the spine as well.
A facet joint injection is often required to confirm a facet syndrome diagnosis. This injection can provide long-term relief by applying an anesthetic/corticosteroid solution to the facet joint. If the injection relieves your pain, then facet syndrome is the most probable cause of your pain. Other treatment options for facet syndrome include medial branch blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Richmond Hill office at (718) 215-1888, or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office, to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko.