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Does Facet Joint Syndrome Hurt More at Night?

Does Facet Joint Syndrome Hurt More at Night?
Does Facet Joint Syndrome Hurt More at Night?

Facet joint syndrome is a condition that affects the joints in your spine. It can cause pain and discomfort that can be felt in your back, neck, arms and legs. One of the questions that people with this condition often ask is whether it hurts more at night. In this blog post, we’ll explore this question and provide you with some insights from physiotherapists and chiropractors.

According to physiotherapists facet joint syndrome pain can indeed be worse at night. This may be due to a number of factors. Firstly, when you lie down to sleep the pressure on your spine changes. This can cause the joints to become compressed, which can increase the constant facet joint syndrome pain. Secondly, when you’re lying down, your body’s natural healing processes are more active. This means that any inflammation or irritation in the joints could become more noticeable.

Chiropractors also agree that facet joint syndrome pain can be worse at night. They explain that during the day, we’re often moving around and changing positions frequently. This helps to keep our joints lubricated and prevents them from becoming stiff or painful. When we lie down for an extended period of time, however, our joints can become stiff and sore.

So what can you do if you’re experiencing facet joint syndrome pain at night? Both physiotherapists and chiropractors recommend stretching before bed to help loosen up your muscles and improve circulation in your spine. You may also want to consider using a supportive pillow or mattress to help distribute your weight evenly and take pressure off your joints.

Another thing you might want to try is heat therapy. Applying heat to your back before bed can help relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to the affected areas. You could use a hot water bottle or heating pad for this purpose.

Finally, it’s worth noting that if your facet joint syndrome pain is particularly severe at night, you should speak to a healthcare professional. They may be able to recommend further treatments or interventions that could help manage your symptoms.

Facet joint syndrome can be a painful and debilitating condition, and it’s understandable that people want to know whether it hurts more at night. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage this pain, including stretching, using heat therapy, and seeking professional help if needed. By taking these steps, you can improve your quality of life and minimize the impact of facet joint syndrome on your daily activities.

About the Author

Sakshi Rupani is a Physiotherapist in Ontario, Canada.