The diagnosis of the facet joint pain is that it is unpredictable on how long it lasts and when it will recur again. X-rays should be done on all sides so the doctor can get a better look at the area. The abnormal facet can usually be seen in the films. A CT scan can do better as far as seeing more information on the facet joint as well as the spinal column.

The MRI is not really that good for seeing what needs to be seen at this point. But they are helpful with problems of herniated discs or abdominal pains. They do have what is called a facet joint injection or a facet joint block. This injects the facet joints with a small amount of an x-ray contrast substance and a local anesthetic and cortisone. To get some sort of relief of the pain during the time of the injection, a combination of different drugs is part of the diagnostic.

There are many forms of treatment options available, a few give some temporary relief but some can be done long term. A successful long treatment includes exercises with a professional trained physical therapist. Maintain good posture, this will keep the pressure off of the facet joints. Adjust the car seat to proper height and maintain good posture when working on the PC. Keep your back straight when you are sitting. Apply heat such as heating pads; hot water bottle and even hot showers will help alleviate the pain.

Change  your daily activities; try to change something in your day that would use a different muscle other than doing the same thing everyday and using the same muscles. This may help, also add some breaks in your day where you could stretch the muscles. You can use anti-inflammatory drugs given to you by a doctor. Let the doctor decide which is best for you. Rehabilitation by a Chiropractor may help as well; they can manipulate the muscles very well. Try using a supportive neck pillow when sleeping so you don’t kink up your neck when you sleep.

For a more lasting relief that can only be done under X-ray control and by a doctor is Facet Rhizotomy, this is the practice of tip freezing a electrified hot probe and eliminating some of the damaged nerve endings. The facet joint pain is manageable with proper medication and exercise and by being aware of your posture,  it can be reduced.

For additional information and resources on Chronic Pain, visit PainsWeb.com. The author Sam Carson is a chronic pain patient and publisher of PainsWeb.com. His website specializes in conveying targeted information about all types of Chronic Pain and helps you find associated information, patient resources and forums etc to manage your pain. Authors can submit quality original articles to PainsWeb.com and get a back link to their site.