Facet disease symptoms occur when the cartilage (and sometimes the synovial membrane) that lines the spinal joints begins to deteriorate. This could lead to raw bone grinding against bone and the development of painful, swollen joints and bone spurs. Joint stiffness is another symptom, which can cause a reduced range of motion, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest. Patients experiencing these facet disease symptoms may benefit from a number of treatments, but the exact combination of treatments can vary from person to person. Finding the right treatments and learning how to properly manage symptoms with the advice of a doctor can mean that a patient may live with the condition more comfortably.

Doctor Recommended Methods

After a doctor has confirmed that a patient has facet disease, the doctor will typically recommend a course of conservative, or non-surgical, treatments such as:

– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs are often used as the first line of defense in treating facet disease symptoms. These medications work to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. There are many over-the-counter versions available, but a doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs in more severe cases.

– Physical therapy – Physical therapy may accomplish several things for a patient with facet disease, such as helping to improve posture with corrective techniques and working to strengthen core muscles to provide better spinal support.

– Low-impact exercise – While it may seem that physical exercise is counterproductive to relieving pain, light aerobic exercise helps to increase blood flow, which can provide nutrients and oxygen to the tissues surrounding an affected joint. Certain exercises also help patients maintain their strength and flexibility.

– Facet block injections – A blend of steroidal (anti-inflammatory) and anesthetic (numbing) medications are injected near an affected facet joint’s medial branch nerves.

Alternative Treatment Options

While most doctors only recommend conservative methods or surgery, some patients have found relief with alternative treatments. The majority of the mainstream medical community, however, cannot come to a consensus regarding the effectiveness of alternative methods, which take a more holistic approach to alleviating pain. Some options include gentle massage, acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic treatments, and acupressure. Patients should always consult with a natural health specialist before starting any alternative treatments.

Additional Tips

Along with conservative and alternative treatments, patients with facet disease symptoms should also take steps to live a healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking, taking care not to overexert themselves, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a well-balanced diet, and practicing proper posture techniques, whether sitting, standing, or lying down.

Surgical Treatments

Unfortunately, all forms of arthritis, including facet disease, are incurable. Once the cartilage that lines the joints wears away, it will not regenerate. Treatments and lifestyle changes can only help patients to better handle their facet disease symptoms and attempt to live comfortably day-to-day. The good news is that most patients will not have to undergo a surgical procedure to treat facet disease, as conservative and alternative methods are usually successful at alleviating pain. Surgery only becomes an option in rare, severe cases of spinal arthritis that do not respond at all to other treatment methods.

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