If you’ve recently been diagnosed with facet syndrome, don’t worry about surgery just yet – many people with the condition are able to manage their symptoms with a completely nonsurgical treatment plan. Finding the combination of therapies that’s best for your needs may take a bit of trial and error, but it’s likely that various medications, exercises, and other conservative and nonsurgical approaches will be able to provide you with the relief you need.
At BEST Health System, it is our primary goal to help our patients find the most effective, least invasive treatment option. For most patients, this can mean a combination of conservative therapies and a change in lifestyle. Continue reading to learn more about ten facet syndrome surgery alternatives.
Traditional Treatments for Facet Disease
You’ll want to discuss each of your treatment options with your physician, but common conservative treatments your physician might recommend include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription narcotics
- Physical therapy
- At-home stretching and strengthening exercises
- Hot packs or cold packs
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Some people also choose to explore complementary and alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments. These options can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance the benefit of traditional facet syndrome treatments. Options include:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Therapeutic massage
- Herbal supplements
- Chiropractic care
Facet Syndrome Surgery
With so many options available, many people are able to find a routine that works well enough to not need surgery. Others are able to use such treatments to delay their need for surgery for months or years. Sometimes, however, these therapies don’t produce the desired results, even after months of treatment. It is a big step to go from conservative therapies to facet syndrome surgery, although it can be the right option for certain individuals.
Contact BEST Health System today to learn more about our conservative therapies or minimally invasive surgery.