About Facet Joint Arthropathy

 Here are the symptoms of Facet Joint Arthropathy based on the provided web search results:

• Lower back pain that worsens with certain movements like twisting, standing, or bending backward. The pain is usually intermittent and occurs several times in a month or year.

• Pain that is centered on one specific part of the spine and may also feel like a dull ache on one or both sides of the lower back.

• Pain that worsens in the afternoon and evening, and upon waking in the morning.

• Pain that may be exacerbated by certain spinal movements.

 Here are some possible causes of Facet Joint Arthropathy based on the provided search results:

• Aging is often a common cause of Facet Joint Arthropathy. The degenerative changes occur naturally with age, resulting in the wearing down of cartilage between the facet joints.

• Facet Joint Arthropathy may also be caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that affects the joints and leads to the breakdown of cartilage.

• Wear and tear on the facet joints due to activities like heavy lifting and improper posture may also lead to Facet Joint Arthropathy.

• Injuries such as fractures, torn ligaments, and disc problems can also damage the facet joints, leading to Facet Joint Arthropathy.

 Here are some of the common treatments for Facet Joint Arthropathy:

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can help relieve pain and decrease inflammation.

• Physical therapy and exercise: Exercises, stretching, and physical therapy can help improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, and reduce pain.

• Chiropractic manipulation: Chiropractic manipulation involves hands-on adjustment of the spine to improve mobility and reduce pain.

• Steroid injections: Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can be injected directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

• Radiofrequency ablation: This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to destroy the nerves in the affected joint, thereby reducing pain.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove or repair damaged tissue or bone, or to fuse the affected joint.

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can work with you to develop a treatment plan that includes exercises and other therapies to help alleviate upper back pain.

• Massage: Massage therapy can help to reduce tension in the muscles of the upper back, which may help to alleviate pain.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of upper back pain, such as a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. However, surgery is typically considered a last resort after other treatments have been tried