Facet disease in the neck (cervical region of the spine) has been known to cause extreme discomfort in the upper extremities, including the upper back, the shoulders, the arms, and even in the hands and fingers. Of course, the first part of the body where cervical facet disease usually is experienced is the neck vertebrae themselves. One of the initial signs of facet disease is a popping, or clicking, sound produced by bone to bone contact. That sound, known as crepitus, is a result of the loss of cartilage that lines the individual, stacked vertebrae where they touch each other and move. This loss of cartilage is a normal part of the aging process, but it also could be a result of spinal osteoarthritis. Once crepitus is observed, other symptoms are usually not far behind, including a dull ache, stiffness, a sensation of warmth, and more.

Responding to Facet Disease in the Neck

Initially, someone who develops cervical facet disease might elect to respond with nothing more than over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication and analgesics (pain killers). Certainly, the intensity of treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms, which can vary from case to case. In general, once someone has begun to recognize that the symptoms are more serious than the usual neck aches and pains we all experience from time to time, a visit to the doctor is in order.

If facet disease is diagnosed, the doctor will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan designed around the patient’s unique requirements. The goal is symptom management, because facet disease (a form of osteoarthritis) is not curable. There are a number of conservative methods available to manage symptoms associated with cervical facet disease. These include:

– Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and mild narcotics

– Stretching to improve flexibility

– Low-impact strength-building exercises

– Neck bracing

– Pain-killing injections

– Physical therapy to improve range of motion

– Behavior modification to improve posture and avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms

Patience and Communication are Vital

Because there is no standard, one-size-fits-all method for managing symptoms associated with facet disease in the neck, the path to relief may take many twists and turns initially. Finding the right combination of treatment methods could require a period of trial and error, during which communication between the patient and the doctor is vital. A doctor will base his or her decisions about which treatments to try in part on the information imparted by the patient. Simply put, if something seems to be working, the patient should let the doctor know. Conversely, treatment methods that either don’t work or tend to have adverse side effects should also be brought to the attention of the healthcare provider.

When to Consider Surgery

Just as the types of conservative treatment used to manage facet disease will vary from patient to patient, there is no set rule governing the necessity for surgery. In general, surgery is considered the last resort and should only be considered once all available conservative treatment methods have been attempted and proven ineffective.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of facet disease and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for facet disease and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/facet_disease/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of facet disease and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Facet disease