If you’re just getting started with facet disease treatment, you likely have quite a bit of information to sort through. And while a trusted physician is always the most reliable source for individualized guidance, doing a bit of research on your own can also help. With that said, there are some common myths out there that you’ll want to disregard as you put together your treatment plan.

Myth one: a facet disease diagnosis automatically means surgery

While many people with neck or back pain are concerned about undergoing surgery, the reality is that very few individuals actually require an operation. In many cases, the symptoms of facet disease can be efficiently managed with medications, physical therapy, facet joint injections and simple lifestyle modifications, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

Myth two: a physician is only going to prescribe a pill and send you on your way

Facet disease treatment often involves a number of different components, as well as a trial and error period throughout which you’ll be working closely with your physician to determine what works the best for your unique needs. While a prescription painkiller or muscle relaxant might be prescribed on a short-term basis as part of your treatment plan, you’ll likely be encouraged to take on a much more proactive role in managing your neck and back pain. For instance, your physician may have you join a smoking cessation program (if you use tobacco products), use hot/cold therapy as needed or try out a variety of at-home exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles. You might also wish to consider complementary and alternative therapies, such as yoga or chiropractic adjustments, as part of your treatment plan.

Myth three: you’ll see results right away

For many people, it takes a few weeks to find the right facet disease treatment combination for long-term use. But, the process isn’t as extensive as one might think. If symptoms persist for several months without getting better, it might be time to talk to a surgeon about additional options.

At USA Spine Care, we recognize that surgery is very seldom required for patients with facet disease, but that when it is, a traditional open neck or back operation may not be the most desirable choice. This is why we provide minimally invasive outpatient alternatives that offer a number of advantages compared to open surgery. If nonsurgical facet disease treatment hasn’t delivered the results you need, contact us today to find out if you’re a candidate for our procedures.

Browse Related Resources