Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 เม.ย. 2020
- Cervical facet joint syndrome is a degenerative condition that causes pain the cervical resgion of the spine. This video will look at symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for cervical facet joint syndrome.
#thespineguy #spinesurgery #cervicalfacetsyndro #rhizotomy #radiofrequencyablation #facetinjection #medianbranchnerve #medianbranchblock #neckpain #whiplash
Dr. Brian W. Su, MD
Spine Surgeon
Chief Development and Strategy Officer | California Orthopedics and Spine
Medical Director of Spine Surgery | Marin General Hospital
Director | Marin Healthcare District Board
Chairman | Marin Specialty Surgery Center
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Contact two locations:
www.caorthospine.com/
415-927-5300
2 Bon Air Road, Suite 120
Larkspur, CA 94939
7100 Redwood Blvd, Suite 200
Novato, CA 94945
Curriculum Vitae:
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FTC: This video is not sponsored.
Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Information obtained from this video should not be taken in lieu of your own medical provider's advice and treatment plan. Please consult directly with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any diagnosis or treatment plan options. Content provided on this TH-cam channel is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose , treat, cure or prevent disease.
You just explained this better than anyone else I've turned to. Thank you!
I was just diagnosed with spinal degenerative disease and facet joint arthritis. This video will help immensely when I discuss this matter with a Physiatrist. (which I never even heard of before today) Thank you doctor.
This videos should probably be retitled 'Addressing Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome'.
It was excellent!
Thank you so much for this extremely helpful information. I just had a facet joint injection yesterday, with the anesthetic and the steroid. I was told not to feel disappointed if it is still painful today, which it is. I did not notice full pain relief from the anesthetic yesterday, so I hope that doesn't mean that this is the source of my pain, since the ablation could potentially eliminate the pain. I have had cortisone injections in my elbow and shoulder and they worked beautifully, with the pain never returning. I remember that it did take a few days for that relief to take place, so I am going to try to be patient here but I have had the pain for more than a year and have been through physical therapy, medical massage, you name it. It is almost impossible to sleep through the night, and the pain is at a 7 to 9 level everyday. You are an excellent teacher, and thank you so much for explaining so much about these disorders and their treatments.
Hey I am 15 years old and have this syndrome , do I also have to get surgery like you with needles? I’m getting an xray next week please reply!
any updates? did cortisone steriod work? did you get a rfa?
A very clear presentation that highlights the differing potential problems very well. I had many years of steroid injections into lumbar facet joints, but latterly I have had RFA treatments [3 to-date] which seem to last up to 18 months.I have started getting similar problems in the cervical spine but at least I know a bit about what is going on and the likely treatments. To others I would say these are not painful procedures and do not involve epidural injections [into the spinal nerve sheath], so the likelihood of serious nerve damage is very low indeed. Don't believe all the rubbish you find on youtube So many videos do not seem to know the difference between Epidurals and facet joint injections and, I believe, are frightening folks away from seeking help.
you literally explained this better than my doctor did. he didn't even know how to properly explain it..
I'm glad I found this channel. Beautifully explained.
THE BEST EXPLANATION I HAVE COME ACROSS
very clear. really enjoyed it. you are a great educator.
Excellent explanation !! Thank you so much Sir
Excellent video, best explanation I've heard in 30+ years, thank you!
Wonderfully explained
Amazing explanation Doctor!! 🔥
Thank you for this great information
The explanation is so easy to understand. It is really very good.
VERY helpful explanations! Thank you!
Also the new facility is gorgeous and a great shout out to the staff, nurse and Dr Sponzilli who were wonderful.
Thank you so much, Dr. Su, for giving such a thorough explanation of this condition, referred pain patterns, and treatment options.
Thank you Dr Brian
Well explained 👍🌷🙏🇦🇺
From AUSTRALIA
Thank you Dr. Su and I appreciate the way you explained this procedure and soo much more. Thank you for stating the medical terms as well as breaking the term down for all to understand. The diagram was nice as well.
Thank you so much Dr.
Good video! I was in your office a few days ago, I will consider this treatment and possibly the ART also. thanks
Thank you for this excellent video! I am waiting yo get these shots for while, Kaiser’s docs are very busy ! But this goes right along my symptoms now pain from 8-10! Thanks from Califonia Culver City !
fantastic. thank you.
Great video
Thank you for this extensive and clear explanation. I've experienced neck and upper right back pain for over a decade and have been to PT, chiropractors, and pain clinics for both steroid and muscle relaxing injections with little results.
I have an upcoming appointment with my pain clinic doctor and will discuss these options.
Thank you again, Doc.
Thank u, i was told by Dr Mork i probably have facet disease, causing my headaches that make sleep difficult. Wish u were nearby, u sound like a great doc. Thanks so much for explanation
are you considering doing dr tony mork's endoscopic rhizotomy procedure?
You my friend are Awesome ❤❤❤
I’m going to have the diagnostic blocky on Saturday in bangkok. I think your video helps a lot as thai doctors are not articulate in English. I will show your video to my thai doctor as she struggles to explain this to me. Big thanks!
Great explanation! I have had Facet blocks and one RFA, which kept me out of pain for 8 months. Going to get another RFA in about one month, and i can't wait!
So with a joint nerve block will help?
How would you compare the recovery time and side effects for both procedures? Do you find the RFA has more side effects from a patient’s perspective? Thank you beforehand.
updates? did it work?
Thanks. A very informative video. One of the best I have seen describing the issue.
I'm on my 4th Rhizotomy. Every 6 Months at the moment.
Hi Rod, Saw you on youtube. I see you had Rhizotomy every 6 months. I am not sure if I am a candidate. My doctor already did two diagnostics. I felt like I only felt about 50 to 75% pain relief next day, not on the same day. It is possible that is due 4 injections soreness on the 1st day; I had numb medications on C3-C7. I have a follow up visit next week, don't know how and what to tell him? Is it helping you? How much pain relief are you getting?
Glad you liked the videos. Yes it is common to need repeat rhizotomies or ablations because peripheral nerves do grow back. as a disclaimer this is not considered to be a substitute for medical advice from your physician
Would like to learn more about Facet joint edema and what edema in the bone means, treatment etc. Thanks for all your great videos!
Edema usually is a representation of inflammation and arthritis. that you may benefit from a facet joint injection and ablation
Thank you Dr. Su. Explained very well but now I have questions for Dr. Kelly before I have an injection.
Dr Kelly is outstanding and will definitely answer any other questions you have
Thank you for your explanations, very clear !! You said that there no surgical solution. So could you say Why in advanced arthritis case, this is not a solution to block the 2 vertebras linkin them with screw and also make a fusion between the facets ?
This is really informative. What about if you have spurring? I have spurring of the facet joints at multiple levels in my neck. Does that tend to cause pain, or is it mainly caused by the inflammation and wearing away of cartilage? Would the rhizotomy/rfa tend to help with any pain caused by spurring if so?
I don’t have any pain in my arm or anything. Just neck pain that radiates to my shoulder blade and upper back.
Spurs are typically a byproduct of having arthritis in the facet joints. when the arthritis is severe you can commonly see it on the mri. In that situation you would be a good candidate for an intraarticular cervical facet joint injection. You may also have Spurs and pain from the cervical facet joint capsule. In that case you may be a good candidate for a median branch block. You can always make a zoom appointment with me at 415-927-5300. As a disclaimer this is not considered a substitute for medical advice from your physician.
Hi Dr. Su. great info. What has your experince been Artifical Disc Replacement? Does having fusion or artifical disc replacement negative effect the facet joints?
A fusion does not affect the facet joints once it is successfully fused because there is minimal motion at the facet joint after the fusion. On the other hand cervical disc replacements do have an incidence of facet related pain for that reason we do not recommend doing cervical disc replacements in people with pre-existing facet arthritis. a CT scan of the cervical spine should always be done prior to a disc replacement to evaluate for arthritis. As a disclaimer this should not be considered medical advice and you should always consult with your spine surgeon.
Thank could you do a video on diagnostic imaging that you recommended when artifact presents due to previous surgeries in the cervical or lumbar spine. For me specifically I was interested in the cervical spine where I have one c4/C5 and then a C5-c7 mobi c adr. Is a Meylogram always needed and:or can a good MRI adjust to reduce the artifact- perhaps ct is sufficient. I have had to Meylogram’s and one was a c spine puncture that was great but the lumbar Meylogram while fine left me limping from time to time whereas I never had back issues prior. Could be unrelated- for those with failed back syndrome or failed cervical fusion this would be of great help especially as I am sure Peyton Manning would visit you following his failed post cervical fusion as you’re the best!
I know it’s been awhile but after watching this I’m pretty sure 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t have cervical facet syndrome but I do have a facet issue with my pain only happening while turning my head to the left and feeling like it has a pebble in it that gets stuck but if I push past it will pop and it becomes unstuck. There definitely is pain associated with the pop sometimes.
Dr Su,I took facet joint injection" Kenacort " at C3/C4 but again pain started after one month i wish to ask whether i can take one more injection? if so what should be gap from first injection?
Hey dr please reply, I have all these symptoms e.g pain in upper back near neck and I struggle to look left and right, and my shoulder blades kind of hurt, I’m going for an xray next week. Will I also have to have injections as most people have it say they do, I’ve had it for 6-7 months now and we’ve realised it’s not going away
Thanks for your clear explanation and after the first RFA, do patients need to wait for another flare up to get a 2nd one, or will you advise them to get RFA on regular basis for pain free maintenance?
You should wait for it to flare again
Thank you, so far I have had three ablations. Two on the right and one on the left. I get one procedure a year.
do they work ? how much refeif do you get?
@@jackattack9799 for me they stopped working and I cannot get them any more because I had a very bad reaction to my last one. It was so bad that it was decided I would stop getting that treatment. Now. I only ever got one treatment on my left side and never had a problem gain on the left side. The right side was very resistant and with the reaction I had last time, I can no longer get the treatment. So yah, it kind of worked.
How can I set up appointment?
GREAT YOUR VIDEO, THANK YOU!
this is what my rheumatologist is going to do to me, but by testing the prp before A POSSIBLE RYSOTOMY!
now I have rugby ball-shaped discs, and slightly concave vertebrae!
which means that it slightly reduces the intervertebral height, therefore, the conjugation holes (where the nerves emerge),
and it is the facets that also undergo the load!
Shouldn't we start by putting back the right vertebrae with kyfoplasty, regenerate the vertebral discs with prp or stem cells, and end up regenerating the facets with prp?
DO YOU KNOW QUINTON PLASMA?
AND DO YOU KNOW LOIC LE RIBAULT'S ORGANIC SCILICIUM?
Hi again Dr Su,
Great info for me on video you referred me to when I asked about ablation. I’m 59 years old and my Ortho Surgeon (UCI here in Orange County )said this is genetic caused and arthritic. Yes I have pain that can go down into my shoulder blades on bad days and radiates up my head. How long in your opinion will this last before nerves grow back? And what would you suggest the best pain med in the meantime for this type of pain, and at what dose? Thank you!
You should make a virtual appointment with me by calling California orthopedics and spine
Thankyou for the education. With all my arthritis am I a candidate for the injection into the joint or is the ablation the one that will get me pain relief?
An injection into the joint is more ideal with significant arthritis. We will change that for you.
Because of your arthritis an intra-articular injection is preferred. We will change your injection to that.
Thanks Dr. Su for explaining this so well. I’m 67 and had head/neck, thoracic and lumbar MRI recently due to various pains in all areas. Physiologist said I have C4-5 narrowing, lots of arthritis and radiculopathy in several areas. She asked me which area hurts the most which is like whack a mole really! But my right upper shoulder area hurts a lot but no arm pain, my right wrist and hand is weak. I also get headaches on right side of my head more in hot, humid weather, winter headaches are milder. It feels like a knife under my right shoulder blade and she said this is most likely from T-7-8-9 radiculopathy so I’m scheduled for nerve ablation in those areas. Next she’ll deal with my severe sciatica from lumbar radiculopathy if I choose to do that. I’m very leery of doing C-4-5 nerve ablation. Would you do this treatment and is my neck area wise to do nerve ablation?
Please let us know how this procedure worked for you and WHEN do you think you’ll need the same procedure again.
@@alexv259 I’ve had two ablations since posting this. The thoracic area near lower shoulder blade worked 💯 eliminating the sharp pain. Next was my lower vertebrae L5S1 that was about 80% effective. Now I’m scheduled for my third ablation which is around T5,4 and 3 but I think T7 needs it as a recent xray confirmed a previous fracture with current wedge there. My pain there kicked up in March after I helped push a piano being removed from our home. Very impulsive move I made. 🤨 My right arm tingles and hurts a lot coming from the knife pain next to the vertebrae and top of my right shoulder blade. I hope and pray this next ablation is effective! 🙏🏼
Can you do a video on youngster having facet arthrosis in spine . And what should we do . They say youngsters have the ability to heal cartilage loss
I had a C6 7 T1 anterior fusion and now I believe the facet joints at those levels are causing chronic pain. It sounds like your options might work for me
if they fused shouldent they not cause pain? did you get a RFA?
Thank you doctor. I had an accident 6 years ago where I got a whiplash, back pain, neuropathic pain from C7 disk and chronic headaches. Now for this cervical Facet joint you talked about in this video and which you said cannot be seen in an MRI what other option I can do to know if I have it as well. Thank you for your videos.
Hi Nadia,
I had an accident a few years ago and i would love to discuss my expérience and learn from your expérience... Let me know if i r available, kindly
same boat , in alot of pain and it dosent go away
I’m assuming you can get severe muscle spasm from facet joint syndrome ? Thanks for the video
You can definitely get muscle spasms as a byproduct of facet joint syndrome. it is often well treated with baclofen or flexeril. As a disclaimer this is not considered medical advice and you should always seek the advice of your spine surgeon
Doc, if i have cervical facet joint syndrome,and i also have csr in my c5-c6 can i comtinue with an acdf? i have one scheduled for april 7, but i am hesitant. i already had an acdf done to me before for c3-c4 last 2022.
I would have to look at the imaging studies. Please call 415-925-8200 for a second opinion virtual appointment
This video explains the issue better than any other.I have a question.I am 35 and have severe neck pain where its difficult to work on the desk.Movements and sports make me feel better.Sitting and drive give me headache.I had 2 Mris taken and both don't show any disk or vertebra abnormalities.So the doctors suspect my neck joints to be the origin of the pain.my question is doctor how will my life be if I get an ablation done.Will I still be able to play sports and work after a couple of years or I will end up on a wheel chair as I progress through life?
Yes you will be able to stay active
I have a few questions!
1. Is it safe to do 2 RFAs per year forever? (I am only 24 and have cervical facet syndrome)
2. What about facet joint replacement surgery? If so, would that be a surgical cure as it would no longer be compressing the medial branch nerves?
3. I have read about people lasering the medial branch nerves, does that produce the same outcome of RFAs just for longer relief?
Thank you for the great explanation of everything :)
Doing multiple ablations is not an issue. Facet replacements have not really been born out in the literature yet. You may want to try cold radio frequency ablation which can be more targeted after the nerve grows back after hot radio frequency ablation. As a disclaimer you should always consult with your surgeon.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuyQuestion, would you recommend chiropractic care or physicians therapy for cervical facet syndrome?
Is there away to message this doctor and ask an IMPORTANT QUESTION???
do you have to do the 2 blocks before getting the diagnosis if the history and MRI already matches it? Or diagnosis can just be given and you can maybe choose to do injections later on if it does not improve.
The two injections are for diagnostic purposes but also insurance requires two before ablation.
Big fan , i was wondering what your opinion is on Endoscopic rhizotomy instead of a RFA? i saw doctors say a endoscopic rhizotomy is pernament but then how come noone dose them
I do not think that's something that is typically used
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy do you know why that is? i seen so much mixed publications on pub med and confused that if i cut the medial branch nerve that it will cause more pain/harm
Regarding RFA, I read about Dropped head syndrome or neck weakness can be a risk with multiple level ablations . Can you comment on this, thanks.
I do think that there is some component of some patients having some muscle weakness but that is certainly not the majority.
I have neck pain for around 2-1/2 months and physical therapy is not working . Also shoulder and back pain
Hi Dr. Su thanks for the explanation. I am in Melbourne AUS and last Thursday I had facet joint steroid injections to left C7/T1, T1/T2, T2/T3 according to my pain management specialist. When I left I didn't have any relief on the day, but got some relief the next day. If these injections are supposed to be diagnostic why would my doctor order 3 at once? I was under the impression that it is done through a process of elimination. What I mean is how would he know if it were the first, the second or the third facet joint causing the pain? Thanks.
They can be diagnostic if you do three at once and you can do an ablation of three at once
Hi Doc, what are your thoughts on PRP facet joint injection for arthropathy of the L5 S1 face joints due to a herniated disc there?
There's no evidence that it works for that
What are the alternative rather den block & RF A becoz it got mixed result some are pain free some witness increase in pain? Does Facet replacement or endoscopic can be option
Facet joint replacements are not readily used in the United states.
I have cervical radiculopathy, some bulging discs and also arthritis in the cervical facet joints. Apart from some very occasionally light numbness in my fingers and foot, all my lower body symptoms have mainly gone away. I do have almost constant tinnitus, neck ache and pain, almost a burning sensation, some sharp pain alond the shoulder area and headaches, with a tingling feeling in my head, when its bad i get vision problems too. Doctors don't see to be very interested, and only ever talk about arm pain etc. I feel like they think i am making these symptoms up. Do you think they are related to facet joint arthritis, and radiculopathy and what treatment should i seek.
Thank you for such helpful videos.
You should watch the videos on cervical radiculopathy
Yes I think i have facet joint syndrome in c
Level c2-4 joint most in left facet
I can show image of xr for this year (from lateral righ but in righ I feel less pain)**I check the pain now were its area.
But I can share the spinal alignment very change (the see on mr 2016 to 2018 and xr to 2010 (also in xr the cervical spine goes forward (its not happened quiq but fron 2016 to 2018 its see very quiq (the degenerative disc disease after trauma full the pressure on c spine what call cumulative trauma)
Now I m use ica its maybe pain in to side of facet (now pain more
U know my c s weak to noraml man becase the injury and 11 year cumulative trauma
So I need less pressure on c s also 12 lbs when u stand or sit with good posture if its hour my neck will pain more
The head wigth 10-14 lbs
** I m limited the time I stand or sit but very important to streaches the muscles in cervical and do exercises to strange what could, erobic low impact like swimming freestyle with mask or walk with good posture 25 30 minute in day
So very important to flexibele and strange but also rest and less weight when in through of the day
Spine-health come great website a
lot information. Also have other
Dr brian also if the facet pain relief what a bout all complex protected on the spinal cord from stenosis (early stenosis of course becase if u r 75 - 85 years old also if u have normal lifestyle and normal spine alignment (the degeneration its natural so if u has all perfect also when u get to 105 age or more u have natural degeneration and lead to some stonosis (but also can see people on 100 age ols and walking very nice. U understand this.
Dr, could years of bad posture cause this condition? My physiotherapist says that this is the likely cause of my neck stiffness, some pain and tinnitus. He says he found my c2 to be especially stuck as if I had whiplash (I didnt).
Yes posture can cause these issues.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you for the response 🙂
Can this ever cause pain down the arm?? My (I think) c7 hurts SOOOO BAD when I touch it. Now Im having pain down to my elbow. Or can a slipped disc also be tender to the touch?
Please watch the playlist on cervical radiculopathy
Neck injury in August this year, no prior issues ever with neck. Putting head onto pillow and something gave way in left side of neck. Now turning head left and right but mainly turning left causes pain on rear of neck behind head (does not radiate anywhere else, just in that area). Also touching around the rear top of neck near the left side is painful to touch. Would this likely be facet issue, nerve issue or disc issue as a general guess (I'm guessing facet or nerve)?
I would have to look at the imaging.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy yes I understand but as a general guess based on those symptoms? I will get imaging done shortly
Is there a way to contact you? I have been suffering from really locked/stiff neck for 14 years. I recently had MRI’s done of my neck and the doctors only recommended me PT which didn’t seem to do much.
Every time I turn my head side to side or push my head backwards I feel this hard locking sensation, like I want to crack my neck to unlock it. It mainly stems from my left side. Is there a way to send you MRI to evaluate?
You can make a virtual appointment with me by calling California orthopedics and spine
In your practice and experience, is there expected to be more recovery time and pain after a neck RFA? A question that I am afraid to ask...
Typically for weeks
Will cervical facet fusion help with stenosis of foramen? Is that surgery called "doorstop"? Will it help with non-fusion of ACDF?
No doing a cervical facet fusion does not help with stenosis
Dr Su , how to decide on whether i should opt for RFA or Nerve root injection; i had done CT SPEC with dye
You should see a spine surgeon.
did it show facet joint issue?
Can I get the blocks at bilateral c2/3 bilateral c3/4 and bilateral c4/5? I don't know if there is a limit
Insurance usually limits it to three facet joints. You should always consult your spine surgeon as a disclaimer.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thank you!
I recently saw something on laser type surgery to remove bone spurs etc in this joint. Does this apply to the No surgery for the facet joint. If the major cause of pain etc is just locking up and catching?
That is not an evidence-based therapy
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy thanks
are PRP injections into the Facet joints a possibility?
If RFO is only partially effective, can this be treated successfully surgically?
and can this be done using an ultrasound tool?
And, is this surgery from the front or the back of the neck?
Thank you so much!
The pain is miserable and leads to loss of life satisfaction and ability to work. 😞
Surgery is not used to treat facet syndrome.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy I have cervical spinal stenosis. C5, C6 causing nerve pain that radiates toward neck and off to shoulder blades. Numbness is creeping up the back and side of my neck, covering 2/3 of the scalp including ears and side of scalp. Balance seems to be effected at times.
Numbness in the pinky of hands, chopping surface, has subsided in the last year. Grateful for that.
So I’ve had two Radio Frequency Oblations. Pain returned 6 months after the first oblation procedure. Continue to do PT. If it returns again will consider surgical options.
It’s effecting my ability to work and think from a positive frame of mind.
Thanks for your clear and graphic and thorough explanations.
I’m currently dealing with this condition! I watched the video and I’ve tried some of those treatments.. I only had a nerve block once, I’m not sure if it was done right but my situation is debilitating.. what should I do?
You should make an appointment with a surgeon.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy I’ve seen 5 different drs ( orthopedics & NeuroSpine surgeons) they both told me I don’t need surgery! They said even if I got surgery it would affect my situation because it’s arthritis but also my nerve is impinged on left side of my neck .
Hello Doctor, where are you located at?
Marin ca but you can call 415 925 8200 for a virtual appt
The radiologist in Xray reported I have arthritis in my neck. Unfortunately, due to my implanted hearing device, for getting MRI, I need to go through a crazy procedure by my ENT Doc. first, and then go for MRI, and then back to ENT Doc. Question: Instead of MRI, could a CT Scan of my neck shows what’s going on inside my neck tissue and bones? Thanks!
A CT scan myelogram would be useful
What if Curvature of neck is lost resulting to straightening of Neck ?????
Had many cortesione injections nothing helped living with this pain every day
Goin through the same thing… it’s debilitating for me !
Hi, did you find any relief? I think nerve ablation would work for you.
Hi Doc do you recommend prolotherapy or steroid injection for herniated c5/c6? (Causes dropped head syndrome)
Also looking at Nucca and spinal decompression therapy
There's no evidence to support that.
I have a a lot of clicking/more like grinding in the c1/2 area when i move my neck , now it distrupes my sleep and i how could i know if that the facet or some soft tissue that doing all the symptoms?
C1c2 arthritis can cause clicking and pain at the base of the skull. There are many non-surgical and surgical interventions for that. You can call California orthopedics and spine for a virtual appointment or see a spine surgeon near you.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Yes but my question is how can you know that the symptoms are coming from the joints or it is coming from a tendon or a ligament because they both have similar symptoms?
just had whiplash and have lot of headache , the Dr give me 4 shot in my neck he said that probably my facet join get missed up , but those 4 shot helped alot for pain and inflammation but he said it will take only about few weeks , I dont know what to do then ?
It does not sound like those were facet injections but they were local trigger point injections. You should take a short course of anti-inflammatories as described in my video. As a disclaimer please consult your surgeon.
So you wouldn't recommend facet fusion surgery of the C-spine?
Cervical facet fusions have not been shown to be effective for cervical facet pain
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Actually, I'm having the surgery to fix loose screws in the current, traditional fusion (5 level) I had my on C-spine. So in this case it's probably okay...?
Bilateral w/ capsulitis? No tearing. Just inflammation. Would that not indicate some underlying inflammation?
There is inflammation it is just hard to see on the MRI
How effective is prolotherapy and PRP injections into these joints for healing and restoring its full function again?
There's no data behind that but it is unlikely to cause harm
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy Then what is the best way to heal weakened ligaments in the cervical spine?
Can a herniated disc or bulging disc's cause pain in the muscles that you show would be caused by facet joint issues?
And also can a neck adjustment cause a tear to a facet joint?
Wondering this too
I had an MRI and was told I have Facets disease. My pain is on my way side and really affects my ear, jaw and neck. Sometimes it affects my swallowing.
I have a constsnt earache.
Would steriod injections help or an ablation for longer relief. I've had this for 9 months! Help!
Please watch the video on non-operative treatment.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy I'm sitting in the Dr's waiting room now. Ill watch it again. Thanks!!
The first title that comes up on this video states "cervial" facet syndrome. A big typo!
I have this and get median branch ablation. Mine originated from getting head butted working with autistic kids.
What the best image to see if facet worn out ,and if its could come from degeneration of the disc on the front (so if u have degeneration disc in level 3-4 you r in high Risk to develop facet degeneration in the same level ?
Xr and mri its good to see of facet joint probably degenerative?
Thanks
MRI is the gold standard for looking at facet joint arthritis. CT can also be good in advanced stages. Sometimes a spect scan is also used.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy so MRI is the best than CT (also possible to see if facet worn more and advanced after years because i have first mr left 5 years and MRI from left one year and mr from today so who is expert know if the facet cartilage break over time in specific facet joint (i watched some videos on how to learn more on the cervical mri
And i know that on mri image facet located on the side of cat line (small on axial and left on axial gave you side view with facet (u see the facet and the space )
also u can run the cut line in sagittal (and see the facet from end view
Who is understand well know if facet are degeneration and if the process is developed over years in the Mri
thanks
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy how can i contact with u (i enter to your google see page of website u r from (u have any email their (i know u r located in califoronia (i learn a bout the facet and c spine and i want some one is expert to check what is degeneration disc (where is going not to hold the facet from break and eventaly to some stenosis (damage the spinal cord (this all function are important (so ADR SURGERY who is from (15 years FDA APRROVED )also i read its and also think this was maybe early (if u do it good and the disc d and u replace the facet not worn and arthritis not devoleped (most camon reason for c s .thanks
Well the pain mimics stenosis. So how u know
Based on what kind of relief you get from the injection
dr. su- could you see this condition resulting from trauma and causing such tight muscle cramping that tmj disorder might even manifest?
I would have to look at the imaging studies
Thanks Dr for your great information, i have a case which i need your opinion about. How can i contact you
You can call 415-925-7800 for an appointment
Sorry it's 415-925-8200
I'm from Jordan can't be able for having physical appointment. Can i reach you through email
I believe I have cervical facet syndrome once I the injection to burn nerve will my weakness go away until the nerve grows back 9 months later??
Cervical facet syndrome usually does not cause weakness
What this may sound Goofy but is that all it possible that when we were kids listening to our music and head-banging Nine Inch Nails STP Pearl Jam Nirvana need I say more but could that have caused this to??¿?.....
Why can’t they repair the cartilage if it tears & having chronic pain?
Cartilage does not regenerate
Can a massage therapist help me with my facet joints in my L4 L5 area?? Thank you
Yes that could help
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy I will still be getting facet joint cortisone shots from Dr Mazzafaro in Quincy Massachusetts. Seems like about every 18/24 months the shots wear off. 50 years of ice hockey goaltending finally caught up with me concerning that along with both knees are replacements and both shoulders have had rotater cuff surgery. Luckily my hips show no arthritis. (LoL)
Why would an RFA fail? What is the stated period for the RFA treated nerve to “ die?” I has an RFA procedure on Sept 13 ( left side) and September 20 ( right side) 2022. It is now Oct 18, 2022 and the pain is severe enough to limit activities and and often enough to be bed ridden and still for extended periods. I do have a C6,7 fusion which was done Jan 8th, 2004. My pain management team and associated HMO is not know for their communication skills. Inquiring is met by pushback with suggestions of questioning their abilities and or knowledge. Simply not the case. I was initially told tHe period of time was two weeks and now I am being told 4 - 6 weeks. Question; Given the fact that I have has a fusion ( Smith-Robinson, I believe) is Chiropractic treatment recommended? I am only 69 years young and in wonderful health other than the Cervical Facet Joint Arthritis. You did not recommend surgery But gave no explanation as to why.
Surgery does not help facet joint arthritis pain in the neck or back. If the ablations are not helping the issue is either not coming from the facet or the ablations were simply not effective. Nerves that are peripheral tend to grow back within 6 to 12 months and if they do you can try cooled radio frequency ablation. As a disclaimer please consult your surgeon
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy You we’re wonderful to reply. I know you are in demand and very busy. I thank you for this.
@@DrBrianSuTheSpineGuy So my only hope is to continue with the RFA treatments for the extent of my life. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear.