One of the most common reasons why people seek the care of a healthcare professional is back pain. Back pain is something that can have a debilitating impact on someone’s overall quality of life, and it is critical to work with a healthcare professional who can develop a well-rounded treatment plan. One of the most common reasons why people have back pain is called facet syndrome. What is this condition, and how can a chiropractor help? There are several important points that everyone should keep in mind. Keep reading to learn what they are.
What Is Facet Syndrome?
Facet syndrome is a skeletal condition that impacts the joints in the spine. There are small joints, known as facet joints, that provide the spine with a significant degree of flexibility and range of motion. If these joints become inflamed, it can be very difficult for someone to bend over, bend backward, or rotate from side to side.
In general, every vertebra has two joints, one on each side. In facet syndrome, these joints become inflamed. The cartilage may start to wear down, leading to chronic discomfort and a total loss of range of motion. This can also lead to the growth of osteocytes and enlarged joint segments, which do not have the same degree of flexibility. This is how facet syndrome develops.
What Are the Main Symptoms?
Just like other conditions, the exact symptoms of facet syndrome can vary dependent on the scope and severity of the inflammation. In general, facet syndrome is something that leads to a tremendous amount of pain and stiffness. Sometimes, people feel the discomfort directly on top of the joint, but there are other situations where the pain could be referred to other parts of the body.
For example, some people detect cervical facet joint pain in the head, ear, or shoulder. It is also possible for someone with facet syndrome in the lower part of the spine to feel pain in the thighs, hips, or buttocks. It is also possible that this discomfort could get worse after certain types of activity or after a period of restless sleep.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Many people believe they need surgery to recover from facet syndrome, but that is not necessarily the case. A chiropractor can help people recover from facet syndrome. A chiropractor can use chiropractic adjustments to shut down the pain pathway. By resetting neurological connections through manual therapy and proper alignment, it is possible to reduce inflammation. That way, a chiropractor can not only help someone treat the symptoms on the surface but also address the root cause of facet syndrome.
By helping the facet joint capsules recover, individuals may be able to recover from facet syndrome without having to take any prescription medications or undergo surgery. A chiropractor can also use corrective exercises and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the back to prevent the symptoms from coming back.
A Chiropractor Can Help Someone Recover From Facet Syndrome
It is true that facet syndrome can be debilitating, but a chiropractor can help someone recover. It is critical to take a well-rounded approach to the treatment of facet syndrome. The treatment plan should address the root cause of facet syndrome by focusing on the joints themselves instead of the symptoms on the surface.
With the help of a chiropractor, it is possible to help someone increase their flexibility, restore their mobility, and improve their functionality. If you believe that you have developed facet syndrome, consider reaching out to a chiropractor in the local area who can help you develop a comprehensive plan for your recovery. If you don’t have a local chiropractor, give us a call. We’re here to help!
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