Chiropractic Treatment of Facet Syndrome

Chiropractic treatment of facet syndrome,¹  along with exercise, is the most effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain in the facet joints. Surgical options are usually not necessary for the treatment of facet syndrome because conservative treatment (such as chiropractic care) often resolves the issue.

Chiropractors emphasize the importance of addressing the root neurological, mechanical, and muscular issues contributing to facet joint pain.

Facet syndrome is a degenerative joint disease of the facet joint that can mimic the symptoms of a herniated disc.

The facet joints play an important role in stabilizing the spine while allowing movement. When these joints become injured in some way, it can result in considerable pain and disability. Since there are facet joints throughout most of the spine, this is a condition that can affect the neck, upper back and lower back. Even though facet syndrome can occur in any facet joint, it appears most often in high-movement and weight-bearing areas such as the neck and low back.

While facet syndrome often presents in patients older than age 50, anyone suffering from repeated trauma such as whiplash or multiple car accidents can suffer from facet syndrome.

Chiropractic care specializes in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system and can offer some of the most effective treatment options for facet syndrome.

Flexion distraction is a gentle chiropractic technique designed to alleviate discomfort and symptoms linked to facet syndrome. The technique involves gentle stretching and rhythmic motions aimed at decompressing the spine, which can lead to pain relief and improved mobility.

Advantages of flexion distraction include:

• Enlarging the spinal nerve passageway,
• Decreasing pressure on intervertebral discs,
• Relieving inflammation in spinal nerve roots,
• and restoring proper movement in spinal joints.

What causes facet syndrome?

The cause of facet syndrome is still unclear. There are several factors that can contribute to the presentation of facet syndrome.

These factors are:

• Age 50 or older
• Repeated trauma to the neck or low back
• Repetitive stressful movement
• Genetics

Degeneration of the facet joint due to age or trauma causes the inflammation that produces pain in facet syndrome. Inflammation irritates the small nerves located in the facet joint, causing pain.

What are the symptoms of facet syndrome?

The symptoms vary depending on the area that is involved.

In the cervical region, the symptoms that may present are:

• Headaches
• Inflammation
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Limited range of motion when turning the head and bending the neck
• Stiffness

In the lumbar region, the symptoms that may present are:

• Lower back pain
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Radiating pain down the buttocks or back of the thighs
• Pain when twisting or arching the lower back

How do you treat facet syndrome?

In both the cervical and lumbar regions, treatment usually starts conservative.

Conservative treatments include:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Acupuncture
• Medical massage therapy
• Physical Therapy
• NSAIDs
• Hot/Cold therapy
• Range of motion exercises
• At home stretching

If conservative treatment fails, there are other options, such as:

• Intra-articular facet injections
• Median nerve block
• Radiofrequency neurotomy
• Cervical Fusion

Surgical options are usually not necessary because conservative treatment often resolves the issue. All surgical interventions should not be taken lightly and should only be considered if a great deal of conservative treatment has failed.

If you are experiencing symptoms of facet syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options, contact us at 855-509-5400