Understanding Facet Joint Pain Disorders

Facet joint pain is a condition that affects many people. In order to understand facet joint pain disorders, let’s take a look at the areas affected, how to spot the signs and symptoms, and most importantly, how to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by this condition.

What Is Facet Joint Pain?

The human body has numerous facet joints: small joints located between and behind each of the vertebrae in the spine. These joints are responsible for helping you to bend backward and forward during normal everyday activities and more strenuous physical activity. An injury to these joints, or general wear and tear, could cause prolonged and chronic lower back pain. Facet joint pain can also affect the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

Signs and Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain

How can you tell if you have facet joint pain or another back or neck problem? What are the telltale signs and symptoms? A formal and professional diagnosis is always the best route to determining the cause of the problem, but facet joint pain can present itself in the following ways:

• Acute episodes of pain in the back that occur several times a month without any obvious cause.
• Persistent tenderness in joints and a noticeable degree of loss in flexibility of the spine.
• Pronounced discomfort when leaning backward.
• Lower back pain that radiates down into the upper leg.
• Pain can also be radiated into the upper back, shoulders, and neck, but rarely spreads to the arms or fingers.

Facet Joint Pain Treatment

The first steps in identifying facet joint pain and working toward a treatment plan will involve a professional medical examination and analysis of your medical history. We carry out a number of tests to ensure we understand your condition and how to approach an effective treatment plan that is tailored to your exact needs.

Facet joint pain can be a recurring problem, but it can be managed successfully with a number of treatment options. These include heat therapy, inflammation medication, proper exercise and good posture.

Here at the Clearway Pain Solutions Institute, our experienced team of professionals specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of facet joint pain and bringing relief to those suffering from this often debilitating condition. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (850) 484-4080 today.