Facet disease, also known as facet joint syndrome or facet arthritis, is a condition that affects the small joints between the vertebrae of the spine, causing pain and reduced mobility. These joints, known as facet joints, provide stability to the spine and allow for movement and flexibility. When the cartilage within the facet joints wears down due to age, injury, or repetitive stress, the joints become inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. At Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating facet disease, helping patients manage their pain and restore their quality of life.

Causes of Facet Disease

Facet disease typically develops due to the natural aging process, but it can also be caused by other factors, including:

• Degeneration: Over time, the cartilage that cushions the facet joints wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain and inflammation.
• Trauma: Injuries from accidents, falls, or sports can damage the facet joints, resulting in facet disease.
• Repetitive Motion: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can place stress on the spine and lead to facet joint deterioration.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common cause of facet disease, as the condition leads to the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, including the facet joints.
• Spinal Misalignment: Conditions such as scoliosis or other spinal deformities can increase stress on the facet joints, accelerating degeneration.

Symptoms of Facet Disease

The symptoms of facet disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the affected joints. Common symptoms include:

• Localized Pain: Pain is often felt in the area of the affected facet joints, typically in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).
• Stiffness: Facet disease can cause stiffness in the spine, making it difficult to bend or twist.
• Pain with Movement: Activities that involve bending, twisting, or extending the spine can exacerbate the pain.
• Radiating Pain: In some cases, facet disease can cause pain to radiate into the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
• Muscle Spasms: Inflammation in the facet joints can lead to muscle spasms in the surrounding areas.

Diagnosing Facet Disease

At Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care, we utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to accurately identify facet disease. The diagnostic process may include:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Your doctor will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion and pinpoint areas of pain.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be used to visualize the facet joints and assess any degeneration or damage.
• Facet Joint Injections: To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may administer a facet joint injection with a local anesthetic and steroid. If the injection provides temporary pain relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of your pain.

Treatment Options for Facet Disease

Treatment for facet disease is focused on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility. At Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs, including:

1. Medications

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Muscle Relaxants: These medications can help alleviate muscle spasms that may accompany facet disease.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may be used to manage pain.

2. Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, improve flexibility, and promote proper posture. A personalized exercise program can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the facet joints.

3. Facet Joint Injections

• Facet joint injections, also known as facet blocks, are a minimally invasive treatment option. The injection contains a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. These injections can be repeated periodically for ongoing pain management.

4. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

• RFA is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disrupt the nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints. This procedure can provide longer-lasting pain relief for patients with facet disease.

5. Spinal Fusion Surgery

• In severe cases of facet disease where conservative treatments have not provided relief, spinal fusion surgery may be considered. This procedure involves fusing the affected vertebrae to eliminate movement at the facet joints and reduce pain.

Comprehensive Q&A Section

Q: What is facet disease?
A: Facet disease is a condition that affects the facet joints in the spine, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. It is often a result of wear and tear on the joints due to aging, injury, or repetitive movements.

Q: What are the most common symptoms of facet disease?
A: The most common symptoms include localized pain in the neck or lower back, stiffness, pain that worsens with movement, radiating pain to the shoulders or legs, and muscle spasms.

Q: How is facet disease diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis typically involves a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. A facet joint injection may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: Can facet disease be cured?
A: While facet disease cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with treatment. Medications, physical therapy, injections, and other interventions can help relieve pain and improve function.

Q: How long does it take to recover from facet joint injections?
A: Recovery from facet joint injections is usually quick, with most patients able to resume normal activities within 24 hours. The injection can provide pain relief for several weeks to months.

Q: Is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) safe for treating facet disease?
A: Yes, RFA is considered a safe and effective treatment for facet disease. It targets the nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints and can provide longer-lasting relief compared to other treatments.

Q: When should I consider surgery for facet disease?
A: Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments, such as medications and injections, have not provided sufficient relief and the pain is significantly affecting your quality of life.

Contact Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care

If you are experiencing chronic pain and believe it may be due to facet disease, the specialists at Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care are here to help. We offer personalized treatment plans designed to relieve your pain and improve your mobility.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward managing your facet disease.

Tarpon Interventional Pain & Spine Care

8080 Independence Pkwy #110
Plano, TX 75025

Phone: (972) 596-1059

Let us help you regain control of your life and alleviate the pain caused by facet disease.