Facet joint syndrome is a widespread form of arthritis in older adults. It usually results from normal wear and tear, but injuries can worsen it. This condition can also affect younger people due to injury or overuse. Once the facet joint is damaged, it can cause long-lasting or permanent disability .
Does facet joint pain go away?
Pain originating from a damaged spinal facet joint is called facet pain. Facet pain is usually worse with activities that cause movement of the spine such as bending, twisting and lifting. Facet pain lasting longer than 2 weeks usually will not go away on its own and requires treatment.
How do you get rid of facet joint pain?
- Applying heat therapy. ...
- Using a cold pack. ...
- Supporting the lumbar curve. ...
- Avoiding activities that worsen the pain. ...
- Staying active. ...
- Engaging in low-impact exercises. ...
- Using a supportive brace.
Is facet syndrome considered a disability?
If you suffer from arthritis of the spine (including osteoarthritis and facet arthritis), you may qualify for disability under Listing 1.04.
Can facet syndrome be cured?
Because facet joint syndrome develops with age, there is no way to “cure” it with non-surgical treatments . However, the vast majority of people are able to manage their symptoms without surgery for many years.
What aggravates facet joint pain?
Pain is often aggravated by leaning back (extension) and/or twisting (rotation) of the neck or back , and can be relieved by bending forward (flexion). Cervical facet pain can cause pain when turning the head while driving or difficulty at night relaxing the neck when lying down.
Is walking good for facet joint pain?
Lumbar (lower spine) facet joint pain can present as low back pain, buttock pain, and pain in the back of the thighs. Prolonged walking and standing can make the pain worse . Sitting usually relieves the pain as stress is taken off the facet joints.
Does massage help facet joint pain?
Massage is an excellent tool for relieving pain caused by facet joint problems . It can greatly release muscle tension as well as stimulating blood flow to the area. In particular, those who suffer from painful muscle spasms from facet joint problems can reap great rewards.
Can a chiropractor help facet joint pain?
Chiropractic is a proven, reliable treatment for relieving the pain and discomfort of facet syndrome. It helps restore mobility and flexibility while providing pain relief.
How long does it take for facet syndrome to heal?
How long does it take to heal a facet joint? As with any injuries healing times can change depending on numerous factors, such as age, weight, work and ability to avoid/manage aggravating activities. But typically, an acute sprain can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks if managed and treated correctly.
Is facet arthropathy serious?
Facet arthrosis can be a painful condition and affect your quality of life. But there are ways to help manage and treat it.
What is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease?
VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease
The VA rating for degenerative disc disease typically is 20% , despite how much pain the condition may cause.
Is facet hypertrophy serious?
This swelling in the facet joint can increase to the point where nerves in the spine come under pressure causing pain and discomfort. If left untreated, facet hypertrophy can cause several other conditions including stenosis and radiculopathy .
Does facet syndrome show up on MRI?
Facet arthropathy may be diagnosed on x-rays, CT and MRI. CT scan may show thickened irregular facet joints. MRI scan may show joint swelling, thickened ligaments and bones and pinched nerves . These imaging studies only show the physical abnormality.
How common is facet joint syndrome?
Some researchers estimate that facet joint syndrome accounts anywhere from 15% of all low back pain complaints to 59.6% in men and 66.7% in women . While facet joint syndrome most often affects the lumbar spine, the cervical and thoracic spinal regions may be affected as well.
What does facet arthritis feel like?
Typically, facet joint pain feels like a dull ache , localized to one area of the spine. The pain may be experienced on one or both sides, and often in the lower back or neck. Movements toward the affected joint will cause pain.
