01 Jul USING STEM CELLS TO TREAT FACET SYNDROME
Facet syndrome or Facet arthropathy is a painful condition that occurs as a result of degenerative changes affecting one or more facet joints. Arthropathy of the facets can cause an abnormal shift in the body weight to the facet joints. These changes in the joints may affect joint movement, resulting in joint stiffening, inflammatory reactions, and pain. This is a common condition seen in men and women between the ages of 40 and 70 and can also be seen in patients with a spine injury. Available therapies aim to relieve pain as much as possible and improve the quality of life in patients.
What causes facet syndrome?
Injuries or painful conditions affecting the back are quite common. The causes of facet syndrome can be preventable or a consequence of unavoidable conditions. One of the commonest causes of facet syndrome is old age. The cartilages in the joints wear down as people get older resulting in changes and deteriorative transformations of the vertebral disc. The joint space narrows as a result of the cartilage breaking down and the bones of the spine may begin to rub together resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.
Other causes of facet syndrome include; hyper or hypomobility of the joints which can cause either an overstretching of ligaments and joints, wear and tear of joint structures, or irritation, stiffening, and soreness of the joints caused by reduced movement of the joints. Bad posture, obesity, spinal injuries, and wrong positioning while carrying out repetitive activities at work or during sports can contribute to causing facet syndrome.
What are the treatment options for facet syndrome?
After a diagnosis of facet syndrome is made, the first line of treatment is usually conservative. Patients may be advised to apply heat therapy to help relax the muscles and improve blood flow to the affected tissues. They can also use simple treatments like cold packs, bed rest, engaging in more activities for those who need to do so, using supportive braces, and participating in monitored physical therapy. These treatments can help to manage the pain and reduce joint stiffness.
In cases that are not very responsive to these simple treatments, medications can be used. Oral medications like muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, and antidepressants can be prescribed by the physician.
Other treatments include; TENS therapy, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. These treatments are usually used in combination to achieve the best possible results. Surgery is the last resort when all other conservative treatments do not achieve pain relief.
Can factory syndrome be treated with stem cell therapy?
Using stem cells to treat facet syndrome has begun to gain popularity in recent times. Several studies and clinical trials have reported significant improvement in symptoms after stem cell therapy in patients who used stem cells to treat facet syndrome. A good number of athletes have been able to return to the field after receiving stem cell treatment for intractable back pain. In some cases, patients have been able to avoid spinal surgery by opting for stem cell therapy.
The rationale behind using stem cells to treat facet syndrome is the use of a minimally invasive, simple, and safe procedure to promote the natural healing of facet injuries, achieve lasting improvements in symptoms, and help patients return to their normal activities. The best Stem cell clinic in the United States will combine stem cell therapy with other treatment options like medications, physical therapy, facet joint injections, and many other interventions to achieve the best possible result for the patients.
How long does it take for facet syndrome to heal?
Generally, an uncomplicated sprain may take between two to four weeks to heal. However, if the injury is aggravated further, it can lead to severe damage and prolong the healing process. Complications arising from poor management of injuries to the joint can make treatment difficult. It is also important to note that healing can be affected by factors like age, weight, daily activities, occupation, and so on. If symptoms persist despite conservative management, it is recommended to see a physician for expert management.
Stem cell therapy continues to gain popularity in modern medicine and has the potential to change the direction of management for facet syndrome. Patients whose symptoms are unresponsive to conservative management, injections, TENS therapy, and other medical interventions can seek care in the best stem cell clinics in the United States. Stem cell therapy may be the intervention they need.
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