Facet Joint Pain Treatment Doctor in Houston, TX
Knees, thighs, hips, and buttocks may all be affected by facet joint pain. Additionally, the abdomen and pelvis might also experience it. Patients may report having sudden, intense pain that may radiate to their leg, foot, buttock, or thigh. If you are suffering from facet joint pain, come to Dr. Pawan Grover, MDPA at InovoSpine for treatment. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1140 Business Center Dr, Suite 110, Houston TX 77043.
Table of Contents:
What aggravates facet joints?
How do you get rid of facet joint pain?
How long do facet joints take to heal?
The facet joints are a set of skeletal articulations (meeting points) found in the spine. There are thirty-three vertebrae in the spine, all with facet joints. These specifically shaped bones are round and hollow in the center, allowing space for the spinal cord and other structures to run vertically through the body with protection.
An intervertebral disc is between each vertebra as well. These discs are made of cushiony cartilage that protects the top and bottom of the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and provides shock absorption. The combination of cartilage-covered facet joints and discs allows the spine to have a wide range of motion in many directions without causing bone damage or pain. As we age and continue to use the spine, the cartilage will wear down, and the bones will be more likely to grind against each other.
This progressive occurrence results in pain upon movement and can aggravate the facet joints. Further, arthritis can bother this structure, as the condition is characterized by inflammation of the joints. These two situations are the primary causes of facet joint pain, though other spine diseases can also lead to this. Since the spine moves in nearly every activity, all movements can cause pain, especially strenuous exercises. Many risk factors increase the likelihood of developing facet joint pain or contribute to worsened symptoms. Poor posture and obesity are the most impactful risk factors, specifically affecting the spine. Further, an injury to the spine will increase the chance of facet joint pain.
Facet joint pain is usually a result of cartilage deterioration or arthritis. Cartilage, best known for its role in shaping the nose and ears, is a kind of soft tissue that also covers bones at a junction site, or “joint.” The cartilage in joints works to prevent the wearing of the bone; however, over time, this soft tissue too will deteriorate.
When this happens, the bones begin to rub against each other during movement and cause pain. Arthritis, on the other hand, is a condition in which the structures of a joint become inflamed, ultimately causing pain and stiffness. Since the spine and facet joints are used constantly, the pain can become quite debilitating and impede the ability to perform many tasks.
Treatment options for facet joint pain are broad, and one will likely work for you. Initially, conservative treatments will be tried, which are not extensive or invasive. Typically, patients experiencing pain try various medications first. Over-the-counter medications may help if the pain is mild, for example, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), which also provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Topical creams and gels can also help relieve pain, such as those containing diclofenac sodium like Voltaren.
Physical therapy is often used in conjunction with medications and can provide the patient with a stretch and exercise regime that can be done at home to reduce pain. Other therapies like hot and cold applications, chiropractic methods, and massages can also help facet joint pain. If your symptoms are severe, you may be eligible for a number of surgical procedures that alter the shape of the joint or vertebrae to minimize pressure and grinding.
Since facet joint pain is often caused by degenerative factors or arthritis, there aren’t any treatments that can fix or repair the damage. However, many treatments are available that strive to reduce pain and improve quality of life. These include lifestyle changes, therapies, medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgeries.
Here at InovoSpine Interventional Pain Management Centre, our primary physician Dr. Pawan Grover, MDPA has had over twenty years of experience and many television appearances. Dr. Grover has received high-level certifications, specializes in interventional pain management for chronic conditions, and is accepting new patients. If you are experiencing pain in the facet joints or you are experiencing any other conditions causing chronic pain, staff can treat your pain in new ways and guide you to a better quality of life. Do not hesitate to reach out to InovoSpine. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1140 Business Center Dr, Suite 110, Houston TX 77043. We serve patients from Houston TX, Hedwig Village TX, Meadows Place TX, Missouri City TX, Hunters Creek Village TX, Spring Valley Village TX, and surrounding areas.
Additional Service You May Need
- Regenerative Medicine
- Spinal Arthritis
- Diagnostic Mapping
- Interventional Pain
- Minimally Invasive
- Spine Pain
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Physical Rehabilitation
- Facet Joint Pain
- Herniated Discs
- Muscle and Joint Pain
- Post-Laminectomy Pain
- Myofascial Pain
- Peripheral Nerve Pain
- Regional Pain Syndrome