Prior to beginning facet disease treatment, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about this condition and the treatment options available to you. This will help ensure you are comfortable with the treatment plan that you and your doctor have made and be more engaged with the care you receive.

Things to remember about facet disease treatment

Here are four tips to keep in mind as you begin your facet disease treatment process:

1. There are many treatments out there. Patients who are diagnosed with facet disease have dozens of treatment options at their disposal. The secret is to find the specific combination of treatments that give you the best chance of managing your symptoms, improving your mobility and promoting long-term spine health. Your doctor will be a valuable resource, helping you try various treatments to provide you with the best possible chance at success.
2. Not every treatment is going to be right for you. While there are many different types of facet disease treatment available, not every approach will be right for your situation. Depending on your overall health, the severity of your condition, the location of the problem and other variables, your treatment plan will vary.
3. Remember that it takes time. Finding the perfect combination of treatment to manage your facet disease can often take weeks or even months, so it’s important to mentally prepare for your journey. It’s OK if one treatment doesn’t work because it will help your doctor provide you with a more informed treatment plan and will give him or her further understanding about your condition.
4. Keep an open mind. Many patients report success after trying complementary or alternative treatments, so it may be worth exploring options like chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture and herbal remedies. Just be sure to speak with your doctor before attempting any additional treatment.

Considering surgery for facet disease

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor all the questions you have about your condition and your facet disease treatment plan. If you don’t feel like he or she is responsive or willing to answer your concerns, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. It’s important to feel comfortable with your treatment plan before you begin.

Spine surgery is usually treated as a last resort for facet disease, only to be considered if weeks or months of conservative treatment are not bringing the relief necessary to comfortably engage in everyday activities. For patients who are recommended for spine surgery, USA Spine Care performs minimally invasive outpatient spine surgery that is a safer and effective alternative to traditional procedures.

Contact us today if you’d like to learn more. We also offer a no-cost review of your MRI or CT scan* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.