Saturday By Appointment Only and Sunday - CLOSED
833-704-7246 | Fax: 704-512-0507
This condition is a deterioration of the facet joints, which help stabilize the spine and limit excessive motion. The facet joints are lined with cartilage and are surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to bend and twist.
Facet joint syndrome occurs when the facet joints become stressed and damaged. This damage can occur from everyday wear and tear, injury to the back or neck or because of degeneration of an intervertebral disc.
The cartilage that covers the stressed facet joints gradually wears away. The joints become swollen and stiff. The vertebral bones rub directly against each other, which can lead to the growth of bone spurs along the edges of the facet joints.
Pain from facet joint syndrome differs depending on which region of the spine is damaged. If the cervical, or upper spine is affected, pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, and upper or middle back. The person may also experience headaches.
If the lumbar, or lower spine, is affected pain may be felt in the lower back, buttocks and back of the thigh.
Facet joint syndrome is first treated conservatively with rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In addition, facet joint blocks may be administered not only to diagnose facet joint pain but also to treat it. If non-surgical methods fail to relieve pain, a facet rhizotomy or bone fusion may be performed.
Facet joint syndrome, a common cause of neck and back pain, occurs when the facet joints in the spine become inflamed or degenerate. These small joints are responsible for connecting the vertebrae and enabling smooth movement.
The iliotibial band connects the knee and hip joints and extends around the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to the tibia. As the knee flexes and expands, it stabilizes the knee. The misuse of this connective tissue results in iliotibial band syndrome (IT band syndrome), which hurts the outside of the knee.
The bursa are tiny sacs filled with fluid that are positioned all over the body to act as a cushion between bones and tissues. The bursa between the shin bone and the tendons in the hamstring becomes inflamed, resulting in pes anserine bursitis. Too much pressure is applied to the knee when the bursa are irritated or produce an excessive amount of fluid. Knee discomfort and tenderness are the result.
Our Charlotte-based practice focuses on helping patients avoid surgery whenever possible. We offer a variety of non-surgical treatment methods to alleviate facet joint syndrome:
In some cases, non-surgical treatments may not provide sufficient pain relief, and surgical intervention becomes necessary. We offer surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s specific condition:
A facet joint injection is a pain management procedure often performed by advanced sports and pain specialists.
These injections, administered as part of back pain treatment and syndrome treatment, involve the precise delivery of a local anesthetic and sometimes steroids directly into the facet joint, a common source of back pain and discomfort in the spine.
While the relief from facet joint injections may last up to 3-4 days, they play a vital role in developing comprehensive back pain treatments that help patients avoid surgery. This non-surgical approach, grounded in a multidisciplinary approach to resolving back pain, aims to provide much-needed relief for individuals experiencing pain in various areas of the spine, ensuring they can rediscover a healthy, pain-free life without the need for facility fees or extensive recovery periods.
Facet joint injections, serve as valuable tools in pain management and back pain treatment. These injections, often administered as part of a comprehensive approach to resolving back pain, offer several key benefits. They can provide relief from back pain that may last up to 3-4 days, allowing patients to regain comfort and mobility.
While facet joint injections are generally safe and well-tolerated, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. Common side effects may include temporary discomfort at the injection site, mild bruising, or localized numbness. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain before experiencing the desired relief. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. It’s important to discuss any concerns or allergies with your doctor before the procedure.
Facet joint injections are typically performed as outpatient procedures in a doctor’s office or pain management clinic. The procedure involves the use of local anesthesia to numb the area, followed by the precise injection of medication into the affected facet joint. The entire process is usually quick and minimally invasive, allowing patients to return home shortly after the procedure.
Recovery is typically swift, with most patients experiencing relief within a few days. It’s advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activities immediately following the injection. Patients are encouraged to discuss any post-procedure discomfort or concerns with their healthcare provider.
Southern Pain and Spine Specialists
3081 Senna Drive
Matthews NC 28105
Phone: 833-704-7246
Fax: 704-512-0507
105 Waxhaw Professional Drive
Suite D
Waxhaw NC 28173
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday
By Appointment Only
