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Arthritis or Spinal Facet Syndrome

Arthritis Or Spinal Facet Syndrome

Facet Joint Syndrome or Arthritis

Facet Joint Syndrome or Arthritis

Facet Arthropathy is simply degenerative arthritis and it affects the facet joints in the spine. It is caused by a decrease in space between vertebrae causing the facet joints to rub together, fractures, previous back injury, disc problems, or torn ligaments. Facet arthropathy is typically a condition that exists among the aging, as most spinal degenerating occurs later in life. Twisting or bending can increase the pain associated with this condition, although mush of the pain is reported upon awaking. Initially, the physician may suggest positions to sleep in that may help calm symptoms. Typical treatments involve traditional conservative care to include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and avoiding activity that puts a strain to these areas. When pharmacologic and traditional non-pharmacologic therapies do not help, we at Wasatch Pain Solutions employ minimally invasive procedures that help reduce or eliminate this pain all together.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a long-term disease that can cause inflammation to the joints between the spinal bones, and the joints between the spine and pelvis. Eventually it can causes the affected spinal bones to join together. The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is at this point unknown, but genes seem to play a significant role. The disease most often begins between ages 20 and 40, but has also been known to begin before age 10. It affects more males than it does females. Ankylosing spondylitis starts with low back pain that comes and goes and can continue with such symptoms as pain and stiffness that is worse at night, in the morning, or when you are not active. It may even wake you from your sleep. Fatigue is also a symptom that is commonly found. Other, less common symptoms may include eye inflammation or uveitis, heel pain, hip pain and stiffness, slight fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, or joint pain and swelling. Typical treatments involve traditional conservative care to include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and avoiding activity that puts a strain to these areas. When pharmacologic and traditional non-pharmacologic therapies do not help, we at Wasatch Pain Solutions employ minimally invasive procedures that help reduce or eliminate this pain all together. In rare occasions, patients may require evaluation by a rheumatologist or even undergo surgery.