Facet Syndrome
Facet Syndrome most often affects the low back and neck. Lumbar facet syndrome might cause referred pain to the buttocks and thigh. Facet syndrome in the neck can even cause headaches or shoulder pain.
The facet joints are a pair of joints in the back of the spine and are a common source of pain. In fact, the facet joint is one of the most common sources of low back pain (LBP). In some cases, facet joint pain is incorrectly diagnosed as discogenic pain. The lumbosacral facet joints are reported to be the source of pain in 15-40% of people with chronic Low back pain. Some research suggests that it may contribute to nearly 80% of chronic low back pain.
Disc degeneration increases the pressure on the facet joints which may, in turn, cause arthritis in the facets. The most likely way for pain to be generated from facet syndrome are an arthritic process within the joint itself, or overgrowth of the joint in a way that impinges on sensitive structures nearby. Degeneration, inflammation, and injury can lead to pain with joint motion, causing loss of motion and strength. In addition, facet changes can compress nerve roots as they exit spinal canal.
This syndrome most often affects the low back and neck. Lumbar facet syndrome might cause referred pain to the buttocks and thigh. Facet syndrome in the neck can even cause headaches or shoulder pain.
Holistic physical therapy for Facet Syndrome includes some combination of:
- Osteopathic Manual Therapy
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Qigong
- Pilates
- Cervical Stabiliation
- Lumbar Stabilization
- Core Strengthening
- Postural Training
- Mental Technquies
- Breathwork
- Prescriptive Exercise
To soothe the irritated facet joints, relieve pain and restore function.
Bill Gallagher, Holistic Physical Therapist, has successfully treated hundreds of people with facet syndrome. He sees patients at his office on the upper West side (88th & Broadway) and makes Home Visits (house calls) to the upper West side and Upper East side of New York City (NYC).
Call or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)now to get started today.
Filed under: Spine Conditions
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