Can a herniated disc cause facet joint pain?

Can a herniated disc cause facet joint pain?

The symptoms caused by cervical or lumbar facet syndrome can resemble those caused by a herniated disc, a torn muscle, a serious abdominal problem, a fracture, or an internal infection. In order to properly treat and alleviate symptoms, it is imperative that a thorough differential diagnosis be performed.

How is cervical facet joint pain diagnosed?

Symptoms of Cervical Facet Joint Pain

1. Tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and arm.
2. Neck pain.
3. Upper back pain that can affect the shoulders.
4. Pain between the shoulder blades.
5. Headaches, typically located in the back of the head.
6. Swelling and tenderness at the site of the inflamed facet joint.

What is cervical facet syndrome?

Cervical facet osteoarthritis, sometimes called cervical facet joint syndrome, is a degenerative condition that causes pain and stiffness in the cervical, or neck, region of the spine. The cervical spine includes the top seven levels of the spine, labeled C1 through C7.

How do you unlock a cervical facet?

The treatment for a locked facet joint is relatively simple. Your physiotherapist will quickly detect which facet joint is locked. Then proceed to unlock it. Usually, a locked facet can be unlocked using a painless joint releasing technique.

How do you treat cervical facet pain?

Treatment Options Muscle relaxers may be used to decrease local muscle spasms. When conservative treatments have failed to work, facet joint injections or medial branch blocks using steroid medications can help localize and reduce pain from facet joints.

Do facet joint problems show on MRI?

Often, arthritic changes in the facet joints can be seen on x-ray imaging. Advanced 3D imaging studies, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans, are also essential to proper diagnosis.

What is the best treatment for facet joint pain in the neck?

Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment is often very effective in managing the pain from facet syndrome. Spinal manipulations may decrease pain for a while, and the stretching and strengthening of the paraspinal muscles helps relieve pressure off of the arthritic joints.

What causes cervical facet dysfunction?

This syndrome can be caused by a variety of events, including blunt trauma or whiplash. Maintaining an abnormal posture is also known the cause the degeneration of the tissue. Most commonly, though, degeneration is associated with the natural aging process, causing stress and strain on the facet joints.

Is facet joint syndrome a disability?

Social Security may award your disability claim if you have facet arthritis in the spine that results in compromise of a nerve root in the spinal cord. This must be demonstrated by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, and motor loss accompanied by sensory or reflex loss.

Is facet joint pain permanent?

Facet joint syndrome is a widespread form of arthritis in older adults. It usually results from normal wear and tear, but injuries can worsen it. This condition can also affect younger people due to injury or overuse. Once the facet joint is damaged, it can cause long-lasting or permanent disability.

Is there surgery for cervical facet joint pain?

In a facet fusion, a small incision is made over the affected area of the spine, and a spacer is placed into the facet joint to stabilize it. This stops any nerve compression and helps ease any pain associated with it.

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