What are the facets in your back?
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What are the facets in your back?
Facet joints are pairs of small joints in between the vertebrae in the back of the spine. These joints have opposing surfaces of cartilage, which limits friction between the bones. The joint is surrounded by a capsule filled with a small amount of synovial fluid.
How do you get rid of facet joint pain?
Treatments that may be performed at home to relieve lumbar facet pain include:
- Applying heat therapy.
- Using a cold pack.
- Supporting the lumbar curve.
- Avoiding activities that worsen the pain.
- Staying active.
- Engaging in low-impact exercises.
- Using a supportive brace.
What happens if some of the facets are damaged?
Facet joint syndrome is an arthritis-like condition of the spine that can be a significant source of back and neck pain. It is caused by degenerative changes to the joints between the spine bones. The cartilage inside the facet joint can break down and become inflamed, triggering pain signals in nearby nerve endings.
Do facet joints heal?
Unfortunately, the facet joints cannot heal once they become damaged. This does not mean, however, that there is no chance for relief. Many treatment options exist to help manage the pain of facet arthropathy, including medications and physical therapy.
Does facet joint pain feel like?
Typically, facet joint pain feels like a dull ache, localized to one area of the spine. The pain may be experienced on one or both sides, and often in the lower back or neck. Movements toward the affected joint will cause pain.
Can facet joints be repaired?
Facet joints are replaced in a surgical procedure that removes a diseased or dysfunctional joint, which is then replaced with an artificial, prosthetic implant. Potentially, the procedure delivers pain relief and nerve decompression as well as improved spine stability.
Is heat or ice better for facet joint pain?
Initial treatment begins with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine to relieve any swelling and inflammation that is causing pain. Ice can also aid in this, but heat should be avoided for the first 48 – 72 hours since it will cause more inflammation in the area.
