Facet Syndrome Treatment

Facet syndrome treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Alleviation of the symptoms may be as basic as postural and lifestyle changes for minor cases to more aggressive action with non-surgical IDD Therapy® for lasting recovery. Suggestions range from back braces and proper mattresses to pain relievers and surgery. However at Allied Healthcare Clinics the goal is to correct the root of the problem through non-surgical and drug free approaches. From this perspective, we look for long term results and not symptom management.

Conservative options with minor cases begin with behavioral modifications. Improving posture helps keep the spine in proper alignment, which reduces the stress to the lower back and neck. Limiting twisting, bending, and stretching with proper lifting techniques can diminish the pain. Both at home and in the workspace, desks and computers can be rearranged to help limit harmful movements and encourage good posture. Ergonomic chairs or seat cushions can help in the spinal alignment. With the onset of pain, patients can take a proactive approach by scheduling an appointment before the condition becomes more severe.

Next proper exercises can be practiced in addition to physical therapy. Movement from exercise increases circulation aiding the healing process. Stretches and strength training help to improve flexibility and improve mobility. The goal is to reduce the pain and inflammation to allow for pain free movement.

Pain-relieving creams may also be helpful for facet joint treatment. Allied Healthcare Clinics uses and offers Bio-Freeze for sale in our office. Heat and cold therapy, may also provide temporary relief, also something provided at Allied Healthcare Clinics. Please do not apply heat or cold without a doctor's or physical therapist's recommendation, as this can exacerbate inflammation, if used inappropriately. Other practices may also recommend glucosamine and chondroitin.

Chiropractic adjustments also can assist in maintaining joint mobility and spinal stability. Dr. John Thomas, D.C. offers full body adjustments at Allied Healthcare Clinics, as well as other potentially helpful treatments like traction, depending on each individual case. Dr. Thomas offers free consultations prior to treating any patient's condition, and will thoroughly evaluate each person's case, with both X-rays, and possibly, an MRI.

Medicine may be administered to reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or prescriptions are an option. However this facet syndrome treatment can have side effects including headaches, nausea, and sleepiness.

Surgery options are facet rhizotomy or posterior lumbar fusion. With rhizotomy the nerve is cut or destroyed to stop the transmission of painful impulses from the nerve. A needle is inserted into the lower back and probe is used to identify the area. The purpose of a fusion is to stop the movement of the joints by joining two or more together into a solid bone. A small graft is laid over the bone on the back of the spine and secured with screws and metal plates to prevent movement in the vertebrae.

Before going in for surgery, patients should consider IDD Therapy® as a clinically proven solution to back and neck pain. IDD Therapy® was designed by a team of orthopedists, physiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors. Serious conditions, like facet joint syndrome require serious consideration of all the the available treatment options. IDD Therapy® is accessible to patients for whom surgery is not an option. And it's a better option than surgery for patients who feel they have no other alternative. This process uses a computer calibrated to a patient's physical status, along with a table that the patient is secured on. In twenty treatments over the course of a month, each disc level where there may be nerve root compression from facet syndrome, is decompressed to the point where it has enough height and motion to relieve the pressure on the spinal column and nerves. Facet joint syndrome may have multiple levels of involvement, and each one would be targeted accordingly.

Click for more information about IDD Therapy® or to schedule your free consultation at Allied Healthcare Clinics call 770-460-1911.

Facet Syndrome Topics

• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Facet Syndrome Symptoms
• Causes of Facet Syndrome