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Facet Syndrome Surgery

Facet syndrome surgery is typically a last resort when other conservative treatment options have failed, or when the symptoms become debilitating. The good news is that most patients never need to reach this point, since nonsurgical treatments are typically very effective in managing the symptoms of this condition. But before you discuss possible treatment options for facet syndrome, including potential surgical methods, it pays to learn more about the condition itself, how it is caused, and why it results in your pain and other symptoms.

Causes of Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is the natural deterioration of the facet joints in the spine associated with normal wear and tear over the years. As part of the aging process, the facet joints lose the protective cartilage surrounding them. This deterioration can progress to the point that bone grinds against bone, causing potentially severe pain. This bone-on-bone contact can also result in the formation of bone spurs, excess bony growths the body produces in response to such grinding. These smooth protuberances are harmless on their own and will only cause problems if they come into contact with a nearby spinal nerve or other soft tissue. It is this “pinching” that causes symptoms, not the bone spurs themselves.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with facet syndrome include:

• Pain at the site of bone-on-bone contact or at the site of the pinched nerve
• Pain that radiates the length of the nerve being compressed
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

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Treatment Options

Again, facet syndrome surgery is typically an elective procedure and a last resort. Physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold therapy, and other conservative, nonsurgical choices are usually sufficient for many patients. However, if you’ve tried conservative treatment for weeks or months with little or no pain relief, contact Laser Spine Institute. We’ll be glad to tell you more about our state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedures performed using advanced endoscopic technology. A safe, effective alternative to open back facet syndrome surgery, our procedures have helped tens of thousands of patients find relief from their back and neck pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.