Treatment for Cervical Facet
What is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet Joint Syndrome, also known as Facet Arthritis, Facet Osteoarthritis, and Facet Hypertrophy, is a disease or disorder in which the facet joints responsible for bending and twisting degenerate causing pain. Facet Syndrome is one of the commonest causes of lower back pain especially when it is accompanied by degenerative disc disease.
Categories of Facet Syndrome
Facet syndrome has three different categories according to the location of the symptoms and pain.
Lumbar Facet Syndrome
The Lumbar Facet Syndrome involves the lumbar vertebrae and occurs in the lower back. The nerve compression caused by the disorder can present symptoms in the buttocks, thighs, calves, hips, and feet.
Thoracic Facet Syndrome
The Thoracic Facet Syndrome involves pain occurring between any of the joints of the 12 thoracic vertebrae, located in the upper and middle back. Thoracic facet syndrome presents symptoms in the torso.
Cervical Facet Syndrome
Cervical Facet Syndrome occurs in the neck involving joints of the cervical vertebrae (from C2 to C7 precisely). Symptoms of cervical facet syndrome include pain felt in the upper back, arms, fingers, and shoulders.
Cervical Facet Joints and Pathogenesis of Facet Syndrome
The cervical vertebrae are seven in number (numbered C1 to C7) starting from the atlas to the axis and to the vertebra prominens (C7). Cervical facet syndrome occurs in the joints of the vertebrae from the axis to the vertebra prominens.
Cervical Facet syndrome occurs when there is a significant injury, neurological damage, and degeneration of the cervical spine. Injuries to the cervical spine which may include the hangman’s fracture or the odontoid fracture happen more frequently to the axis vertebra, the C4, and the C5. Degenerative changes can stem from the formation of osteophytes and stenosis of intervertebral discs.
Causes of Cervical Facet Osteoarthritis
Causes of Cervical facet syndrome include trauma or injury to the cervical spine, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, muscle weakness, and neck stiffness. Risk factors of Cervical Facet Osteoarthritis include ageing, extreme sedentary lifestyle, smoking, improper neck-bending posture, malnutrition, backward motions, obesity, and genetic factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Facet Osteoarthritis
Cervical facet syndrome presents a number of symptoms which are spread out in the area the cervical spine control. Symptoms may include neck pain, pain between the shoulder blades, upper back pain affecting the shoulders, muscle spasms, changes in posture, swelling/tenderness at the site, headaches originating in the back of the head, and decreased flexibility of the neck.
Diagnosis of Cervical Facet Osteoarthritis
Cervical Facet Syndrome can be diagnosed following a physical examination by qualified medical personnel. Proper confirmation can also be done following an X-ray or MRI scan. Diagnosis can be made through a diagnostic block in the affected cervical joint.
Treatment
The first treatment prescribed following diagnosis of cervical facet syndrome in mild cases is often rest. For severe cases presenting immense/chronic pain and discomfort, other cervical facet osteoarthritis treatment options include…
Medications
Medications to numb or provide relief for the pain are generally given while the patient is advised to send. Drugs such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed for the syndrome.
Spinal Injection
A corticosteroid injection into the cervical facet joint using a fluoroscope is sometimes administered for severe cases. The injection is meant to numb the arthritic pain in the cervical spine. Effects can last from several weeks to a few months.
Physical Therapy
Physiotherapy and Osteopathy are generally recommended even while taking medications for cervical facet syndrome or following corticosteroid injection. Physiotherapy helps to not only relieve pain but to stabilize the cervical joints by increasing stomach and back muscles.
Surgery
For extreme cases and after other conservative procedures fail to correct the disorder, surgical procedures may be recommended. These surgical procedures are meant to reduce the effect of the degeneration and may include any of endoscopic decompression, laser facet rhizotomy, radiofrequency ablation, and facet thermal ablation.
Improving Quality of Life Through Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy and Osteopathy is your surest bet for mild cases of cervical facet syndrome. Therapy treatment may include manipulation therapy and regular massage which not only relieves pain but helps to restore the cervical vertebrae to good health. For severe cases which require proper medical attention, physiotherapy also aids in quick recovery. If you are experiencing such symptoms of cervical facet osteoarthritis as listed, do contact us now and talk to an osteopath for proper help. Get help today; get help now!