Properly ascertaining a facet disease diagnosis can often be challenging for a doctor to confirm, since the symptoms associated with the condition are similar to those that can arise from a variety of other spinal or health conditions. Furthermore, a number of spinal conditions may exist at the same time, so it is extremely important for a doctor to correctly identify the exact causes of a patient’s discomfort so that each condition can receive proper treatment.

Analyzing Symptoms

Patients with facet disease – also known as facet joint syndrome or spinal arthritis – often present with constant or intermittent aching pains, inflamed and stiff facet joints, a reduced range of motion, tenderness, and crepitus (a grinding or cracking noise which indicates bone rubbing on bone). Additionally, some patients may experience localized and radiating nerve pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness, particularly if osteophytes (bone spurs) have formed and come in contact with the spinal cord or one of its nerve roots.

A doctor’s first step in determining a facet disease diagnosis is to interview a patient about which symptoms are being experienced, as well as the frequency, intensity, and location of those symptoms. The exact movements and activities that increase or decrease a patient’s discomfort will also be of interest to a doctor.

Medical History & Physical Exam

Thoroughly exploring your medical history – and your family’s medical past – is another important piece of the puzzle when it comes to diagnosing facet disease, particularly because the development of spinal arthritis has been linked to genetics. In order to help rule out other possible causes of pain, a doctor may also ask about any past health problems, conditions, and surgeries, as well as what medications, if any, a patient may be currently taking.

A physical exam can also help a doctor determine a facet disease diagnosis. He or she may palpate the affected areas and have a patient perform a series of movements to measure reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Diagnostic Imaging & Other Tests

Diagnostic imaging scans are often used to help ascertain a facet disease diagnosis. X-rays may be used to determine whether joint damage or cartilage loss is apparent within the spine, but this tool may not be as effective during the early stages of spinal arthritis, during which degeneration may not be readily evident. X-rays are also helpful in ruling out the presence of other spinal conditions, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are often used to generate more detailed images of a patient’s spinal column than an X-ray. Blood tests may also be ordered to aid a doctor in ruling out certain infections and diseases.

Another diagnostic tool that may be used is the facet joint injection. This injection, consisting of a blend of anesthetic (numbing) and steroidal (anti-inflammatory) medications, is directed into one or more facet joints suspected of deterioration. If pain subsides immediately, the arthritic joints have been identified and further treatment can be focused on these areas.

After A Facet Disease Diagnosis

A doctor will most likely recommend a course of conservative (non-surgical) methods to begin facet disease treatment. These might include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, low-impact exercise, and cold and/or heat therapies. In most cases, conservative methods are able to provide a patient with significant pain relief after several weeks or months of treatment. Surgery may only become an option in the rare cases where patients have exhausted all forms of non-surgical treatment and have not found relief from their discomfort.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for facet disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Facet disease