According to research, over 31 million Americans experience debilitating lower back pain at any given time. And while it’s largely left undiagnosed and untreated, facet joint syndrome is the underlying cause in 15–45% of patients.
Facet joints (or Zygapophyseal or Apophyseal Joints) are hinge-like joints that connect the bones in your spine. They give your spine its mobility yet keep your spine from moving too far forward or twisting uncontrollably. All of your nerve roots from your spinal cord pass through these joints to limbs and the rest of your body.
This arthritis-like condition causes severe spasms in your back and neck that worsen over time. People with the condition also experience heightened pain while performing simple physical activities like bending, lifting, twisting, walking, leaning backward, and even standing.
Facet joint syndrome is caused by the degeneration of your spine. As the cartilage inside the facet joint breaks down due to aging, overuse, or trauma, you can experience mild to severe swelling, stiffness, and tenderness.
While the painful symptoms can make you feel frustrated and helpless, the condition can be managed during its early stages.
Here are five ways you can effectively control facet joint syndrome symptoms and retain or regain your mobility.
1. Stay Active
Engaging in regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent or heal the damage caused to the facet joints in the vertebral column.
When the musculoskeletal system is engaged on a regular basis, the cartilage lining surrounding the facet joints regains its ability to provide lubrication which keeps the spine flexible. This reduces the stiffness and friction that commonly contribute to the sporadic pain that’s associated with the condition.
If you live a largely sedentary lifestyle, at least try to stretch, walk, and engage in light exercise whenever possible. Frequent motion improves overall spinal health which can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
2. Improve Your General Health
People who overlook the importance of general health can wreak havoc on their vertebral column.
We recommend maintaining a healthy diet and stop smoking to prevent the onset of or manage the facet join syndrom symptoms.
According to research, there is a direct correlation between having an unhealthy body mass index (BMI) and developing facet joint syndrome. In addition, nicotine damages the facet joints and spinal tissue, thereby aggravating spinal pain.
Taking precautionary measures will go a long way in repairing and healing the delicate spinal column structures that may been damaged over time.
We also suggest getting adequate sleep to improve your overall back health.
3. Develop the Right Sleep Posture
Poor sleep posture is a common reason behind the development of facet joint syndrome. It also exacerbates the symptoms of the condition—especially the radiating back pain that extends along the shoulders, arms, and hands.
In addition, poor sleep posture causes muscle weakness in the limbs which restricts mobility and flexibility in the long run.
Sleeping with correct spine alignment helps you alleviate symptoms of the condition while your body is at rest.
- Side Sleepers: If you tend to sleep on either side of your body, place a pillow between your legs to align your spine, pelvis, and hips. Make sure to switch sides frequently during the night to distribute the pressure evenly. And don’t forget to place a pillow underneath your head to support your neck.
- Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, it’s best to place a pillow underneath your legs and a soft support under your lower back to prevent back pain from worsening overnight.
- Stomach Sleepers: This is actually one of the worse sleeping positions for your back. But if you sleep on your stomach, be sure to place a pillow beneath your abdomen and hip region to reduce the curve and enhance straightness in your lower back. Taking these measures can play an important role in protecting the facet joints in your spine and helping your spinal column to heal overnight.
4. Relieve Pain by Alternating Between Hot and Cold Compresses
If you’re feeling pain in your back, ice and heat therapy have been proven to be extremely effective in relieving the symptoms of facet joint syndrome. Both modalities alter the sensation of pain which reducing chronic back pain.
Hot compresses dilate blood vessels, enhance the flexibility of soft tissues, improve muscle movement, and boost circulation.
Alternatively, cold compresses constrict blood vessels, reduce inflammation, combat swelling, and numb the area.
Collectively, this relaxing therapy can alleviate lower backaches and relieve musculoskeletal tension. You can supplement this method by soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts to heal facet joint pain and reduce inflammation.
5. Get Diagnosed and Treated Quickly
While taking remedial measures to ease suffering from facet joint syndrome may work temporarily, it’s important to get your condition diagnosed and treated as soon as you recognize your symptoms.
As one of the leading back and spine center in Houston, we provide expert diagnosis through a physical examination, radiographic readings, and a confirmatory facet medical branch block injection. Our innovative treatment plans may include lifestyle changes, medication, hot and cold compresses, and other solutions based upon your specific diagnosis.
Get in touch with our spine specialists Houston to schedule a consultation with one of our team of leading neurosurgeons.
For more information, call 832-522-8500.