Chronic back pain can be a symptom of a wide range of diseases such as sciatica, herniated disks, or even facet joint syndrome. The first person you see for back pain is a primary care provider. Your doctor may try conventional treatment solutions to reduce your back pain. But when things get thick, your doctor may refer you to a Eugene facet joint syndrome specialist to determine which part of your spine is affected. Read on to find out what the Pacific Sports and Spine experts have to say about facet joint syndrome.
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How to know if you have facet joint syndrome?
Symptoms of this type of spinal condition vary depending on the number of facets affected, how intense the nerve root is, and the seriousness of your condition. See a specialist if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
1. Excruciating and sharp pain
Patients with this condition may experience sharp and excruciating pain due to an irritated spinal nerve. The pain may travel to the leg, thigh, or buttocks. The affected leg also becomes challenging to move.
2. Localized pain
Pain can resonate in one spot during facet joint syndrome. Most often you feel pain in your lower back and up your neck.
3. Pain affects posture and movement
Pain that comes in the morning or after engaging in heavy exercise can affect your posture when standing or sitting.
4. General weakness and stiffness
Chronic conditions such as arthritis may cause lumbar facet pain. You may experience general weakness and stiffness in the morning and after performing repetitive and heavy tasks.
5. Referred pain
The lower back pain travels to the hips, knees, buttocks, and thighs but rarely reaches the legs or foot. This type of condition is known as facet arthritis.
What to expect when seeing a facet joint syndrome specialist
Once your doctor diagnoses you with facet joint syndrome, they will look for all means to ensure your back pain goes away. Whether you are scheduled for surgery or a non-invasive treatment procedure, the bottom line is to ensure your damaged spine does not interfere with your daily obligations. Before your surgery, ask your doctor how they plan to execute the treatment option. Most likely, they will go through your family history, confirm if you are taking medications that may affect your healing process, and assess your current medical status.
The first thing your doctor does is try a non-invasive option to diagnose and treat facet joint syndrome. If this option does not address your problem, your doctor may turn to surgery. Most surgeons rely on minimally invasive surgical procedures using equipment that are advanced in technology. Patients undergoing surgery recover faster, experience less pain, and can go about their daily routine than they could if they underwent outdated surgical procedures.
See a doctor immediately to diagnose your chronic back pain
Lower back pain can affect your mobility and other daily functions. It is impossible to know if your back pain is sciatica-related or due to facet joint syndrome. Your doctor can assess your body and conduct tests using technologically advanced equipment to confirm your condition. To find out if you qualify for treatment for facet joint syndrome, schedule a consultation with your doctor today.