Acute low back pain is a prevalent source of discomfort for most adults. At some point, almost everyone has an acute episode. It is common in 4-33 percent of the population and causes disability in young and middle-aged people. Facet joint discomfort accounts for a sizable amount of this predominance.
Nonsurgical treatments are usually the initial line of treatment, and they have a high success rate in relieving pain caused by a facet joint.
Surgical intervention may be recommended for pain and dysfunction that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment or for severe problems such as complicated fractures, substantial dislocations, or spinal cord involvement.
Physical Therapy
Almost all facet joint disorders treatment plans include some form of structured physical therapy and exercise program devised by a pain management doctor with experience in musculoskeletal and spinal pain.
Manual therapy, low-impact aerobic activity, strengthening, and stretching are typical components of physical therapy. This treatment can improve and maintain lower back stability throughout time and provide a healing environment for the tissues.
Injection Treatment
The numbing drugs in the treatment injections work on the nerves adjoining the facet joint, limiting their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. The injections contain steroids, which help reduce pain by lowering inflammatory reactions in the facet joint.
Nonsurgical Lumbar Facet Joint Pain Treatments
There are several at-home and medicinal treatments available to relieve pain in the lower back facet joints.
Self-care for facet joint syndrome
To reduce lumbar facet pain, you might try the following treatments at home:
Applying heat therapy
Heat therapy can assist in relaxing muscles and opening blood vessels, allowing blood and oxygen to reach and nourish the hurting tissues. After waking up, apply a heat patch or hot water bags to help relieve morning stiffness and soreness.
Making use of a cold pack
You can use cold therapy when pain is severe, such as after intense physical exercise. A cold pack constricts the blood vessels, lowering blood flow and numbing the discomfort in the affected area.
A cold pack constricts the blood vessels, lowering blood flow and numbing the discomfort in the affected area.
Supporting the lumbar curve
Correct sitting, standing, or lying down posture is critical for maintaining natural spinal alignment. Good posture relieves stress on the facet joints and promotes a more favorable healing environment.
Keeping away from activities that aggravate the pain
Avoid activities such as spine twisting, frequent bending and stretching, and lengthy periods of sitting. Back bending the spine puts greater tension on the afflicted joint(s) and should be avoided to prevent further damage.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
While you should avoid some activities, it’s also essential to be active in moderation and avoid total bed rest, which can decondition the lumbar tissues and exacerbate discomfort. Low-impact exercises are also an option.
Most patients can treat their pain with lifestyle adjustments, injectable treatment, physical therapy, and posture correction. It is always a good idea to consult a pain management doctor in Orlando if the pain or neurologic signs and symptoms persist.
