Facet joint syndrome is a common disorder that affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine. Pain from this syndrome can be debilitating, making it hard to perform everyday activities. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help manage the pain, including physiotherapy. In this article, we’ll look at what facet joint syndrome is, what causes it, and how physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome, also known as facet joint hypertrophy or facet hypertrophy, is a condition that develops when one or more of the facet joints in the spine become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness in the affected area. These joints are located on either side of each vertebra in the spine and provide support for movement and stability. When these joints become inflamed due to overuse or injury, it can cause severe pain and limit movement.
What Causes Facet Joint Syndrome?
The most common causes of facet joint syndrome are repetitive motion injuries (such as sports injuries), osteoarthritis, or degenerative disc disease. Other potential causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or trauma from an accident or fall. In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is one of the best treatments for managing facet joint syndrome because it can help reduce inflammation and improve mobility in affected areas. It can also help strengthen muscles around the affected area to provide additional support and reduce strain on the back muscles while performing daily activities such as walking or sitting down at a desk. Common techniques used during physiotherapy sessions include stretching exercises, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, and even electrical stimulation to reduce pain levels and promote healing.
Facet joint syndrome is a painful condition that can severely limit your range of motion if left untreated. While medications may provide temporary relief from symptoms such as inflammation and muscle spasms, physiotherapy offers long-term relief by helping you maintain your flexibility while reducing pain levels so you can return to everyday activities without discomfort.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or one of the other physiotherapists at CARESPACE Health+Wellness in Kitchener and Waterloo. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
