What are Facet Joints?
Dr. Michael Wilson of the Kosak Chiropractic Auto Accident and Pain Clinic, Fairfield, Ca. sees patients daily for painful facet joints. Many of his patients need to understand these joints to understand their pain.
The bones in the spine must have connectors between the vertebrae. These connectors are known as facets. The primary nerve in the spine passes through these joints.
Our body could not bend or twist were it not for these joints. If you did not have facets, your back would have no limits on how far it could slip backward or forward.
Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome
Back pain certainly puts a halt to your daily life. Dr. Wilson explains that you can tell if you have a problem with the facet joints when you try to turn your body to the left or right, as you must turn your whole body due to the pain and stiffness this syndrome causes.
You may need help to stand up straight or push yourself up from a sitting position. Do you notice yourself walking more hunched forward? Your pain depends on the location of the affected joint and the nerve it affects.
Symptoms worsen when these joints become swollen and enlarged. The swelling soon pinches the nerve running through the spine. A pinched nerve creates sharp back pain, making walking or moving the body comfortably impossible.
Non-Invasive Treatment Approaches to Relieving Facet Pain
There are plenty of invasive treatment options, including surgery. However, many alternative treatment options are comfortable and not intrusive on the body. But you must call Dr. Wilson and schedule your appointment for pain in the facet joints.
This chiropractic physician has a high success rate in treating this joint pain that is neither painful nor invasive. Everyone handles pain differently and can tolerate different degrees of pain. He stresses that while one treatment option works well for you, it may not work for the next person. Our clinic has an array of treatment options with proven success for treating facet syndrome.
- Adjustment and manipulation of the vertebrae
- Heat or cold therapy
- Specific exercises like stretching, bike riding, walking
- Posture improvement
- Frequent breaks for long periods of sitting or standing
- Muscle retraining
- Massage therapy
Pain is not normal. The body triggers an alert system called pain when something is amiss. Never think that you must endure pain; we cannot help you feel better until you call us for an appointment.