Facet Joint Disorder

What is Facet Joint Disorder?

A vertebra is composed of three major components: 1) The vertebral body through which the spinal cord runs, 2) the intervertebral discs between each vertebra of the spine and 3) the facet joints which run along the posterior of the spine and act as an aid in bending and twisting the torso. The facet joints allow for a certain degree of bending and twisting without over-extending or painfully twisting the spine.

Like other joints in the body, the facet joints are covered with a sheath of protective cartilage that allows for fluid and safe movement of the spine. These protective covers can, over time, be broken down or damaged by any of a number of degenerative conditions. When this occurs, an individual may experience anywhere from minor twinges to excruciating discomfort in the back or even radiating pain into the arms or legs.

Common causes of facet joint disorder include:

Concerned that you might be suffering from facet joint disorder? To learn more about minimally invasive treatment options for facet joint relief, contact our spine specialists at NYC Spine today!

What are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Disorder?

Facet Joint Disorder (FJD) is primarily diagnosed by the distinctive symptoms of pain that emerge. The resulting discomfort can be dull and localized—or in more severe cases—the pain can be stabbing and radiate down into the limbs. Because the facet joints are also a passageway for our spinal nerves, these nerves can become pinched depending upon the extent of facet joint degeneration or the co-occurring development of bone spurs.

Symptoms of facet joint disease often include:

Are you noticing any of the symptoms listed above? Our Harvard-trained, board certified surgeon, Dr. Daveed Frazier, has earned over 20 years of experience in resolving facet joint pain!

 

What are the Treatments for Facet Joint Disorder?

The first step in treating Facet Joint Disorder (FJD) is to diagnose your pain. As stated in previous sections, the symptoms of FJD are similar to those of other spine ailments, so proper diagnosis is key. Your doctor may utilize any of the following techniques to determine if you have FJD: a thorough examination of your medical history, a physical examination, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or the use of facet joint injections.

If it is determined that you are suffering from FJD, minimally invasive treatments are always the first step in treatment. Your physician will work with you to determine if any of the follow treatments might be helpful for you: massage, acupuncture, exercise and stretching, pain patches, pain-relieving medications, lifestyle changes such as weight loss or smoking cessation, and/or physical therapy. Facet joint injections can also be used as a form of treatment that can relieve acute discomfort at the site of facet joint deterioration.

Surgery is not a common course of treatment for facet joint disorder; however, in extreme cases, this may be an option for you. For individuals who require surgical intervention, our Harvard-trained, board certified surgeon, Dr. Frazier, may recommend the following techniques:

However, the interventions detailed above represent only a fraction of the innovative techniques that Dr. Frazier may suggest to eliminate your pain. Collaborating with Dr. Frazier one-on-one, you will work together as a team to identify the best treatments to eliminate your pain and optimize your recovery!

Meet Dr. Daveed Frazier

Dr. Frazier is a Harvard-trained, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He’s held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York’s SUNY Downstate. Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, published author on spine disorders and treatment, and a consultant for several international spine companies.

After completing his undergraduate education at Brown University, Dr. Frazier attended Harvard Medical School, where he graduated cum laude. He completed a Harvard internship based at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, followed by a Harvard combined residency before becoming chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Facet Joint Disorder

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