What Is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome is one of the leading contributors to chronic back and neck pain and a common issue we provide treatment for at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care in Atlanta, GA. The facet joints line each side of the spine, connecting the vertebrae to help stabilize movement. Over time, these joints can become irritated or inflamed due to repetitive stress, degeneration, injury, poor movement mechanics, or age-related wear, causing movement to become awkward and painful as the cartilage breaks down.
Spinal facet joint pain most often affects the neck and lower back because those areas experience the greatest amount of motion and mechanical load. In the cervical (high) spine, symptoms may cause stiffness, localized neck pain, or discomfort that radiates into the shoulders or upper back. In the lumbar (lower) spine, pain is often felt in the lower back, buttocks, or hips and may worsen with standing, twisting, or prolonged periods of activity.
Dr. Mairin Jerome is an experienced physiatrist specializing in regenerative and nonsurgical treatments for a variety of musculoskeletal concerns, including facet joint pain. If you're experiencing pain or stiffness related to facet joint syndrome, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome today to learn how she can help you move with greater comfort and stability.
At the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, we specialize in treating a wide range of chronic back and neck issues for patients in the Atlanta, GA area. Learn more about common back and neck conditions here.
How Do You Treat Facet Joint Syndrome?
Treatment for facet joint pain starts with diagnosing the issue and identifying its cause. During your consultation, Dr. Jerome will assess your range of motion, check for tender spots or muscle knotting, and use x-ray imaging to examine the facet joints more closely for signs of irritation or inflammation.
Once the affected joint or joints have been located, Dr. Jerome will recommend a treatment plan based on your needs and medical history. We offer a variety of nonsurgical treatments for facet joint syndrome at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care, including prolotherapy, focused shockwaves, and regenerative injections containing platelet-rich plasma or other orthobiologic materials. We may also recommend trigger point injections to help relieve muscle knots in the back, neck, or shoulders caused by facet joint inflammation. Along with physical therapy, posture correction, and lifestyle changes, many of our Atlanta, GA patients are able to relieve spinal facet joint pain and restore some degree of mobility.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Facet Joint Syndrome?
Your spine plays a crucial role in your body's stability and function, and even small problems can have large effects on your daily comfort. Whether you're an older adult suffering from pain and stiffness, an athlete trying to get back into your favorite activities, or someone recovering after a spinal injury, our treatments for facet joint syndrome at the Center for Regenerative Spine & Sports Care offer a nonsurgical way to reduce irritation and improve mobility, with potential benefits that include:
- Reducing pain caused by irritated or inflamed spinal joints
- Improving comfort during twisting, bending, standing, and other everyday movements
- Decreasing stiffness that limits spinal mobility and flexibility
- Helping the spine move more smoothly with less mechanical strain
- Reducing muscle tension around the affected joints
- Decreasing stress on nearby discs, muscles, and supporting ligaments
- Helping patients return to daily routines with greater comfort and consistency
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Move Beyond Facet Joint Pain
Facet joint syndrome cannot be "cured" in a permanent sense, but with the right combination of treatments, you can enjoy long-term relief from pain and mobility issues. If you're suffering from pain or ongoing tightness in your neck, shoulders, or lower back, reach out to Dr. Jerome at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care to learn more about our nonsurgical orthopedic treatments. We're proud to provide regenerative orthopedic care for patients all over the Atlanta, GA area and beyond.