(Newswire.net — January 24, 2017) — During the aging process, tissue around the joints can wear down from years of use. Due to the erosion of protective tissue, arthritis and other disorders can occur, resulting in inflammation and pain. Facet arthropathy is a type of degenerative arthritis in the back.
Facet joints lie in the posterior portion of the spine, with two of these joints positioned in between each vertebra. Like other joints, the facet joints are surrounded with protective cartilage and lubricated with synovial fluid. The facet joints help to keep the spine in proper alignment by limiting movement of the vertebrae.
This condition most commonly occurs later in life. In addition to natural wear and tear over time, arthritis in the facet joints can occur from injury to the back or conditions that involve connective and supportive tissues. When the protective membrane surrounding the joints causes a loss of synovial fluid, the bony protrusions of these joints can rub against bone or each other to create the inflammation and pain typically associated with arthritis.
Facet arthropathy can occur anywhere along the spine, though it commonly occurs in the lower area of the back. The most typical symptom involved in this condition is pain. Pain can be worse when you first get up in the morning or after a period of rest. This pain is usually focused in one area of the back. There may be localized tenderness over the affected facet. Because of the location of the facet joints, pain is often worse when twisting or bending backward.
Left to progress, bone spurs may grow as a protection for the cartilage that is lost in the area. Bone spurs can press on nerves, leading to additional issues. It is also important to note that facet arthropathy can occur in connection with other back conditions, such as degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, exacerbating symptoms. This can cause pain to radiate down the buttocks and backs of the thighs, or up into the back, shoulders, and neck.
Imaging tests are the best way for a physician to determine the presence of facet arthropathy. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and bone scans may all be helpful to identify issues with the spine.
It is generally best to begin with the least invasive treatments possible in an effort to reduce the pain and inflammation in these joints. A physician like the ones at Champey Pain group may recommend rest, limited motion, and different sleep positions to help the back. A referral may be made to pain management specialists to help you to find ways to get through your days more comfortably while the joints rest.
Physical therapy may be used to help realign the spine and to improve range of motion. There are also exercises that can help to stabilize the spine. Spinal manipulation may also be an option. When other conditions are present at the same time, additional treatment may be necessary, such as through the use of injections or surgery.
With the help of pain management specialists like Champey Pain Group, you will be able to control the symptoms of your facet arthropathy so you do not have to live your life in pain.
About Champey Pain Group
Dr. Edward J. Champey, MD specializes in Advanced Interventional Pain Management in New Jersey. He is Board Certified Anesthesiologist who has personally performed all Pain Management procedures at Mine Hill Surgical Center, located in Morris County, NJ.
At the Champey Pain Group we approach each patient to improve function, repair injured tissues, decrease pain, and improve their quality of life. We provide high-quality care to our patients in accordance with Accepted and Recognized Standards while offering treatment for chronic and acute pain sufferers. Our mission is to reduce or eliminate reliance on prescription medication and to avoid possible surgery.
(Newswire.net — January 23, 2017) —