Presentation
METHODS: Four hundred patients presented with long-standing cervical MPS with referral pain patterns of CFJ syndrome over a period of 6 months. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
When done with RF, this technique is often called Treatment Options: Phase III – Surgery Rarely needed for Spondylosis or Facet Joint Syndrome unless radiculopathy or stenosis is present Back and neck pain from Spondylosis can be treated non-surgically [pauljeffordsmd.com]
By “shutting off” the sensory nerve, pain signals are unable to reach the brain, which allows for longer lasting pain relief Recovery Time: After the procedure, localized numbness and some swelling may be present. [javerypain.com]
Usually, this condition presents in other joints first – hands, feet, and knees – but it can certainly progress to the facet joints, usually of the neck rather than the lower back. [completepaincare.com]
Musculoskeletal
- Back Pain
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lumbar facet joint syndrome is currently suggested to be a main source of axial low back pain, and a large portion of axial low back pain is caused by disorders in lumbar facet joints. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
What have we learned about the evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain? Spine J. 2008 Jan-Feb;8(1):266-77. [CrossRef] [PubMed] [theunj.org]
The application of cold treatment to low back pain is even more limited. No conclusions can be drawn about the use of cold for low back pain. There is conflicting evidence to determine the differences between heat and cold for low back pain. [physio-pedia.com]
- Neck Pain
Symptoms Back pain with radiation into hips and buttocks or neck pain with radiation into the shoulders Natural History (“Doing Nothing”) Not all arthritic facet joints cause symptoms Back or neck pain may not be coming from the facet joints even if they [pauljeffordsmd.com]
Thoracic spine manipulation is also recommended for reducing pain and disability in patients with neck and neck-related arm pain (Gonzalez-Iglesias J. et al, 2009). [blackberryclinic.co.uk]
Facet joints are a common source of back and neck pain. In fact, lumbar facet joints are implicated in nearly a third of chronic lower back pain cases and nearly half of all chronic neck pain cases when no herniated disc is present. [positivehealth.com]
Doctors call this common diagnosis facet joint syndrome Facet joints are a common source of back and neck pain. [theragear.com]
When the facet joints start to change from the wear and tear, they can cause neck or back pain. [intermountainhealthcare.org]
Neurologic
- Headache
RESULTS: Group 1 showed increased CROM, increased mean NRS pain reduction, and decreased incidence of combined tension-type headache compared with group N during the follow-up. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms Pain and stiffness when turning from left to right Headaches Pain in the lower back, buttocks or thighs Causes Injury Arthritis Diagnosis Injection of an anti-inflammatory and anesthetic. Immediate relief confirms facet joint syndrome. [michigansportsandspine.com]
Pain from cervical facet joint syndrome can manifest as pain in the neck, shoulders, between the shoulder blades and headache. [javerypain.com]
The result can be localized or radiating back or neck pain, headaches and limited mobility. Facet Joint Syndrome The adult human spine is made up of 33 bones, or vertebrae. [myspinedoc.com]
The person may also experience headaches. Symptoms (lumbar) If the lumbar, or lower spine, is affected pain may be felt in the lower back, buttocks and back of the thigh. Facet joint syndrome occurs when the facet joints become stressed and damaged. [arcticspine.com]
Workup
Medial branch block for diagnostic purposes has already been described (see Workup, Procedures), and studies have shown it to be effective in this regard; however, controversy remains regarding its use as a therapeutic intervention. [emedicine.medscape.com]
(level of evidence: 2C) (53) Malanga G., Lumbosacral Facet Syndrome Workup, 2015, Medscape. [physio-pedia.com]
Treatment
At one week after treatment, low back pain reduced significantly compared with prior to treatment both at rest and during flexion. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms may be short-lived and infrequent Rarely, patients develop more persistent and debilitating pain Facet joints have very little ability to repair themselves or regenerate Three Phases of Treatment: Phase I – Non-Invasive Treatments Phase II – [pauljeffordsmd.com]
Our doctors create personalized treatment plans to ensure each patient undergoes the best possible course of treatment for his or her unique situation. [qcora.com]
Prognosis
However, for a better long term prognosis corrective exercises and postural improvements need to be made to get to the root cause of the problem and help prevent a relapse. [physioroom.com]
Etiology
[…] stylomandibular ligament (SML) at the mandible. 1-21 The onset of Ernest Syndrome may be a consequence of auto accident, whiplash, blunt trauma, law enforcement submission techniques, general anesthesia, dental surgery, excessive yawning, and other etiologies [practicalpainmanagement.com]
It’s more likely at this level that the dorsal ramus blockades, rather than the medial branch. (9)(48)(49) Epidemiology /Etiology LBP is a major cause of disability and is the most common reason for medical consultations because this pain problem interferes [physio-pedia.com]
Epidemiology
Global, regional, and national disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 306 diseases and injuries and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 188 countries, 1990–2013: quantifying the epidemiological transition. The Lancet. 2015;386(10009):2145-91. [theunj.org]
Comprehensive review of epidemiology, scope and impact of spinal pain. Pain Physician. 2009;12:35–70. Manchikanti L, Pampati V, Fellows B, Bakhit CE. [paindoctor.com]
Epidemiology /Etiology According to Binder D et al.(level2A), it has been estimated that facet joint pathology is a contributory factor in 15–52% of patients with chronic low back pain. [physio-pedia.com]
Pathophysiology
References: Ray CD: Facet syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical picture and treatment. Giornale Internationale per Terapia Antalgica 1:80-94, 1991. [spine-health.com]
Lack of physical exercise or daily activity (questionably) Pathophysiology [ edit ] 55% of facet syndrome cases occur in cervical vertebrae, and 31% in lumbar. [en.wikipedia.org]
Prevention
FACET SYNDROME TREATMENT Prevention & Self-Care As facet joint pain is linked to aging, it may not be entirely preventable. [bonati.com]
The aim of this retrospective study was to identify possible predictors, surgical aspects or individual characteristics that may contribute to the development of pFJS and may allow prevention of this frequent postoperative problem. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
However, for a better long term prognosis corrective exercises and postural improvements need to be made to get to the root cause of the problem and help prevent a relapse. [physioroom.com]
Facet joints are small joints that stabilize and prevent excessive motion of the spine. [javerypain.com]
Left untreated, chronic back pain can become a debilitating condition, preventing patients from completing daily life and work tasks. [joimax.com]