Facet joint syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the hands and wrists. It can be caused by repetitive stress on the fingers and wrists, such as typing on a keyboard or playing sports. Facet joints are small joints located close to the ends of bones. They are also called carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. They form part of your hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Facet joint syndrome Shrewsbury occurs when one or more facet joints become inflamed or injured.
Fibromyalgia is a common cause of facet joint pain. Some people with this condition have symptoms that resemble arthritis in the knees or hips but are actually caused by inflammation at one or more facets of their hands or feet.
Here are the treatment options for facet joint syndrome.
Options for treating facet joint syndrome
1. Physical therapy
The first line of treatment for facet joint syndrome is physical therapy. Your physical therapist will work with you to determine what your goals are and what exercises you need to do to achieve them. The type of physical therapy you receive depends on the severity of your condition, so it can vary from patient to patient. Whether it is a series of exercises or a new way of working out, physical therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and movement science to help patients improve their posture, flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance.
2. Pain medication
If no improvement occurs after two weeks of physical therapy, your doctor may prescribe pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or amitriptyline (Elavil). These drugs may help with chronic pain but should not be used as a long-term treatment for arthritis or other conditions that cause inflammation in joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They can also be habit-forming, so only take them when necessary. You should also avoid taking these medications when pregnant or breastfeeding because they may increase the risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
3. Use the correct posture
If you have facet joint syndrome, however, it can be very painful and may even cause permanent damage to the joints of your neck and shoulders. Using correct posture can help treat facet joint syndrome. This means sitting up straight, using back support, and avoiding slouching or leaning forward. If you work at a computer all day, your body will quickly become accustomed to poor posture.
4. Avoid repetitive stretches
Facet joint syndrome can occur when the tissues around a joint become stretched or irritated. This can happen when you stretch a muscle too often or too hard. You should never stretch muscles that are already tight or overused. Instead, focus on stretching muscles that have been underused for long periods and need more work. You should also avoid stretching muscles where they have been injured before.
If you are dealing with the pain of facet joint syndrome, it is important that the cause of the pain is found. You will need to get imaging done so your physician can rule out a more serious problem causing your back pain. Once you have your diagnosis, you can begin to find relief from the symptoms. It is recommended that physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications be used in conjunction to find relief from the pain associated with this syndrome. If you have a facet joint problem, contact experts at the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, and they will evaluate your case and determine the best way forward.
