If you are experiencing pain in your back, it may be due to facet joint syndrome. This condition affects the joints in the spine, causing pain and stiffness. Most people with facet joint syndrome develop the disease due to aging, but an injury can also cause it. Several different treatments are available for this condition, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. If you are suffering from facet joint syndrome, it is vital to seek medical help from a Eugene facet joint syndrome specialist to get the relief you need. Below are some of the most common treatments for this condition.
1. Medication
Medication is often used to treat facet joint syndrome. There are a variety of drugs that can be prescribed, depending on the severity of your condition. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants are all common medications for this condition. The goal of medicine is to reduce the pain that you are experiencing. It can also help reduce any stiffness or swelling caused by facet joint syndrome.
2. Physical Therapy
Many people find relief from physical therapy when coping with facet joint syndrome. Your doctor will usually prescribe physical therapy for this condition, which aims to relieve your symptoms and improve strength in the affected area. Physical therapy may include exercises, massage, and heat or cold treatments. It can help to improve your range of motion and reduce pain.
3. TENS Therapy
This type of therapy involves using electrical stimulation to treat your condition. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and it is often used for treating back pain. This treatment can help reduce swelling and improve mobility in the area where the pain is occurring.
4. Injection Therapy
Injection therapy is a treatment that involves injecting medications into the affected joint. Facet joint injections can help reduce pain and swelling. This treatment has been shown to provide adequate pain relief for most patients. There is a small risk of infection when receiving this type of injection, but it is generally safe if the proper precautions are taken.
Medial branch blocks. If you are experiencing pain in the back, your doctor may recommend a medial branch block. This type of injection is used to determine if the pain is caused by facet joint syndrome. If the block provides relief from your pain, you likely have facet joint syndrome. This type of injection can help to provide temporary relief from symptoms.
4. Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if your facet joint syndrome is severe and other treatment options have not provided relief. A surgical procedure will involve making an incision in the affected area and repairing any damage to the spine. Surgery for this condition aims to reduce pain and improve mobility. While surgery is more invasive than other treatment options, it can provide you with the relief that you need.
To summarize, facet joint syndrome is one of the most common causes of back pain. A facet joint syndrome specialist can recommend different treatments, including injection, TENS, physical therapy, and medication. In extreme cases, you may need surgery.
