Facet Joint Syndrome Pain Management in New Jersey
What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet joints are vital for providing small twisting, bending, and turning movements between adjacent vertebrae in your spine. Over time, these joints can become worn or torn, leading to a condition known as facet joint syndrome or spinal osteoarthritis. This condition is common in individuals over 50 years of age and is often caused by the deterioration of cartilage within the spine. Other causes include injury, repetitive overuse, or trauma.
Facet joint syndrome occurs when the small joints connecting the vertebrae in your spine become inflamed or damaged. These joints are covered in cartilage and lubricated with synovial fluid to facilitate smooth movement. When the cartilage wears down, the joints may develop bone spurs, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What Causes Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome can occur anywhere along the spine, from the cervical (neck) to the lumbar (lower back) regions. Contributing factors include:
- Aging: Natural wear and tear on cartilage over time.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the joints.
- Injury or Trauma: Accidents, sports injuries, or repetitive movements can accelerate joint degeneration.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity weakens muscles, limiting support for the spine.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome
Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the condition but may include:
- Pain after long periods of sitting or driving
- Morning stiffness
- Increased pain during weather changes
- Neck pain radiating to the shoulders, arms, or hands
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
- Lower back pain that worsens with prolonged standing
- Headaches originating at the base of the skull
If these symptoms are familiar, InfiniHealth Medical Group can help you explore effective treatment options.
Don’t let facet joint syndrome limit your life. Contact InfiniHealth Medical Group today
to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a pain-free life.
Diagnosing Facet Joint Syndrome
A thorough diagnosis is critical to developing an effective treatment plan. At InfiniHealth Medical Group, the diagnostic process includes:
- Medical History Review: Discussing symptoms, lifestyle factors, and previous treatments.
- Physical Examination: Assessing limitations in movement, balance, and muscle strength.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs provide detailed views of the spine, helping to identify damage or inflammation.
Treatment Options for Facet Joint Syndrome
Our approach focuses on conservative treatments before considering minimally invasive procedures.
Non-Operative Treatments
- Adjusting daily activities to reduce stress on the spine
- Anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants
- Alternating hot and cold compresses for pain relief
- Physical therapy, including stretching, massage, and strengthening exercises
- Facet Joint Injections: These injections target inflammation and pain, providing temporary relief and aiding diagnosis.
For persistent or severe cases, we offer advanced techniques such as:
Diagnosing Facet Joint Syndrome
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
Procedure: A probe is guided to the medial branch nerve, which is then heated to disrupt pain signals.
Results: Approximately 70% of patients experience significant relief lasting 3 months to 1 year.
- Endoscopic Rhizotomy:
Procedure: Using a small incision, an HD camera and radiofrequency probe target the affected nerve, providing long-term relief.
Results: Clinical studies show up to 80% of patients achieve substantial pain relief lasting up to 5 years.
Alleviate Your Pain, Regain Your Freedom
At InfiniHealth Medical Group, we are dedicated to delivering personalized and effective treatments for foraminal stenosis. Our minimally invasive techniques are designed to reduce recovery times, alleviate pain, and restore mobility.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.