If you search for a back pain doctor in Westchester NY, Dr. Han Jo Kim is the place to go. We strive to give you the best service and treat each of our patients with precision and care. If you are suffering from back pain, please consider us as you could be suffering from facet Joint Syndrome. Here at our office, we have the knowledge and tools to help you overcome this condition. Keep reading to find out more about Facet Joint pain and see if it sounds familiar to you.
Causes of Facet Joint Pain
If you or a loved one is battling back pain, surgery is not always the answer. Dr. Han Jo Kim will evaluate you and may give you specific instructions to follow to see if this will help your pain before diving into an extensive surgery process. As we get older, our bodies may begin to develop joint pain in and around the spine. This is called Facet Joint Syndrome. Facet Joint Syndrome is a condition where the cartilage between the spinal facets gets worn down over time. This can cause you so much pain that it can change your day-to-day lifestyle. Some causes of Facet Pain are:
- Osteoarthritis: This is an age-related breakdown of cartilage between the facets. Over time the cartilage begins to get thinner with everyday use, causing grinding bones and severe pain.
- Injuries: Injuries are a big reason for facet joint pain. A fall can cause damage to cartilage between facets.
- Occupation: Some jobs that require you to use your body, like heavy lifting and poor posture, can create tension between bones making it more likely to develop this condition.
- Obesity: Extra weight on your joints and muscles can make the cartilage deteriorate faster than usual, causing a lot of pain and pressure on your joints.
- Hereditary: Sometimes, this condition is hereditary, and your body has a faster way of breaking down this cushion-like material between your bones.
This specific cartilage is so important to have between your spinal facets because it creates a cushion for your bones to glide over, making for pain-free movements quickly. Over time, as these factors above affect the cartilage, it creates a thinner layer of cushion and causes the bones to become closer together, and more pressure is put on each facet.
Signs of Facet Joint Pain
One main symptom of facet joint syndrome is pain, but other factors can help you identify it sooner rather than later. This type of pain is usually intermittent, which means it comes at unpredictable times and comes and goes as it pleases. These are what we call a flare-up, and they can occur at random and last for as long as a couple of days, or they can be ongoing in some cases. This pain is usually a dull ache and can be widespread over the spine. The pain may even radiate down other parts of the body.
If you notice that this pain becomes worse when you sit for an extended period, you could have this syndrome. It can also become worse if you stand for long periods as well. It can increase severity when you twist or turn your spine, making it hard to do everyday activities. Sometimes changing positions can help the pain subside and certain stretches that the doctor will give you. If these symptoms sound all too familiar, you may be suffering from this syndrome.
Dr. Han Jo Kim – Back Pain Doctor Westchester NY
At our office, we prioritize getting you feeling back to your normal self again. The first thing Dr. Han Jo Kim may do is give you specific stretches that may alleviate joint pain in your spine. Stretching and massaging your joints frequently can help relieve the pressure put on the facet joints and alleviate the pain around them. We also may suggest exercises every day. This can help build the muscles around your spine to again take pressure off of these specific joints with less cartilage.
Contact Our Back Pain Doctor Westchester NY
If you’re suffering from facet joint pain, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We’re eager to help you get back to living an everyday life without any pain. Dr. Han Jo Kim is one of the leading back pain doctors in Westchester NY. Set up your appointment today by visiting our website or calling us at (212) 774-2837. We look forward to hearing from you.