Navigating the Many Options to Manage Facet Joint Pain

Senior man suffering from back pain before facet joint stabilization

There is no silver bullet when it comes to facet joint stabilization. There are various techniques and interventions to stabilize and support the comfort, function, and health of the facet joint. Our board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists at The Hemlock Pain Center, Drs Stephen N. Tafor and Sandeep Datta consider your medical history and past history with other interventions to ease the pain of facet joint damage. Only then can our teams in Macon, Milledgeville, Dublin, and Warner Robins, Georgia, recommend techniques that provide real pain relief once and for all.

Why would I need facet joint treatment?

The facet joints are small, stabilizing joints that link each vertebra. They support the flexibility and movement of the spine. When these joints are damaged, you may experience back and neck pain, which is particularly pronounced with certain movements (like bending and twisting your body). Other red flags that your facet joints are irritated or inflamed include:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Spinal stiffness
  • Joints that feel tender

What causes the facet joints to become irritated or inflamed?

This distinctive damage and resulting pain can occur over time due to aging and natural wear and tear. Sudden injuries, accidents, and trauma to the facet joints can lead to the symptoms mentioned above. Conditions such as osteoarthritis may also be to blame. In fact, there is a specific type of wear-and-tear arthritis that affects the facet joints (facet arthropathy). Your lifestyle and everyday habits can also increase the risk of damaging the facet joints; for instance, you may experience this pain due to the cumulative effects of making the same motions over and over again. Such repetitive movements can stress the joints. The joints may also become stressed due to a poor, hunched-over posture.

How do you treat facet joint disorders?

For most, the first line of defense is typically conservative (nonsurgical) treatments. These interventions may include physical therapy and targeted exercises to boost muscle strength and flexibility. Medications may be prescribed or injected to reduce inflammation.

Elderly man with back pain prior to facet joint treatment.
Couple feeling relief after facet joint stabilization.

What happens if the above steps don’t work?

For some individuals with severe pain or pain that doesn’t get better with nonsurgical interventions, The Hemlock Pain Center partners with the state’s top surgeons. As appropriate, surgeries may be recommended to stabilize the spine. Techniques include spinal fusion, which joins two vertebrae to address instability associated with facet syndrome or wear and tear to the joints. Facet joint syndrome tends to cause pain in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. Exciting technological advancements and regenerative techniques are also transforming how pain management specialists like Drs Tafor and Datta treat severe pain without surgery.

There have never been more ways to treat facet joint pain and symptoms. To find out more, contact one of our patient care coordinators in Macon (478) 475-2385, Warner Robins (478) 997-6444, Dublin (478) 800-3745, or Milledgeville, GA (478) 280-4670 today.