Los Angeles Facet Syndrome Chiropractor
The joints that connect each bony segment of the spine to each other are called facet joints. These joints, just like other joints in human body, have special cartilage covering that allows them to glide of the surfaces during the motion. Once the arthritis begins to progress in one’s body, the cartilage beings to degenerate and produces pain. Another source of the pain may be the capsular covering. Various research studies determined that nerve endings that exist on these facet joints may produce back pain that radiates to the buttocks as well as knees and thighs. However, it is not very common for the pain to radiate past the knee and down the leg. If the pain radiates down the leg, it may be confused with a herniated disc or radiculopathy.
In case the source of the painful sensation cannot be determined, the healthcare expert may suggest a special facet joint treatment with the help of a chiropractor. The injection is often used in diagnosing and in therapeutic purposes. This will isolate and determine the source of pain. The injection consists of anesthetic (a numbing medication) and an anti-inflammatory medication such as steroids. If the pain is gone after the injection, there are reasons to think that the source of the pain is located in the facet joint. The above-mentioned anti-inflammatory medication may also deal with the pain. The procedure is repeated several times during a year in order to resolve the symptoms.
To minimize the risk of infection, the procedure is performed under sterile conditions. First of all, the skin that surrounds the area is anesthetized with a small needle and then a larger needle follows – its purpose is to reach the area of interest. X-ray images (fluoroscopy) are used in order to uncover the exact site before actually injecting anything. This part is performed while the patient is awake in order for the physician to get all the necessary feedback. Once the needle is put into position, steroidal medication and the anesthetic are injected into the site. The needle is then removed and the patient is released from the room. For a short period, the healthcare experts will observe the patients and will then let them go home.
In order to determine the response to pain relief, every patient should keep a diary. It must include information regarding sensations after an hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 8 hours and 24 hours after the procedure took place. This way, you will be able to get all the necessary information regarding the success of the procedure and provide your chiropractor with all the necessary details regarding any future recommendations.
Having a facet syndrome? Contact us today!
Healing Hands Clinic, Los Angeles chiropractor