Facet joint syndrome is a common cause of chronic back and neck pain, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the small joints along your spine, called facet joints, become inflamed or degenerate due to aging, arthritis, or injury. The condition can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and limited mobility, making daily activities difficult.
While surgery is an option for severe cases, it’s possible to find relief through nonsurgical treatments. Ronak D. Patel, MD, and our team at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute explain five effective nonsurgical options that can help.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage facet joint syndrome. It offers a customized program to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve flexibility, and enhance posture.
Targeted exercises help reduce strain on your facet joints and promote long-term pain relief. You can also maintain mobility and reduce stiffness with stretching, core strengthening, and low-impact activities like swimming or walking.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. In some cases, Dr. Patel may prescribe muscle relaxants to alleviate spasms or nerve pain medications to target discomfort caused by irritated nerves.
While medications provide temporary relief, they work best when combined with other treatment options.
Chiropractic adjustments involve spinal manipulation techniques to restore proper alignment and relieve pressure on your joints. Many patients experience improved mobility and reduced pain after a series of adjustments.
If you have persistent pain, facet joint injections or medial branch blocks can provide significant relief. These injections contain a combination of a local anesthetic and corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation and numb the affected area.
The relief from injections can last for weeks to months, allowing you to more comfortably engage in physical therapy and other rehabilitation efforts.
Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing facet joint syndrome. Do your best to maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your spine. Proper posture helps as well in minimizing strain on your joints.
Sitting in ergonomic chairs, sleeping on supportive mattresses, and avoiding prolonged sitting can also make a big difference. In addition, implement anti-inflammatory foods into your diet like leafy greens, fatty fish, and turmeric to help reduce overall inflammation.
Facet joint syndrome can be a frustrating condition, but nonsurgical treatments offer effective ways to manage pain and restore function.
If you’re looking for ways to find relief without needing surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute. A consultation can help determine the severity of your condition and offer effective solutions.
Contact us online or by phone today to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you in Plainsboro Township, Manalapan, or Freehold, New Jersey.
