Alaska Serious Injury Lawyers - Helping Those Suffering from Facet Syndrome

The back and spine together form an extremely complex network of muscles, nerves, tissue and bones.  When something goes wrong with any part of this system, it can lead to severe pain, suffering and struggle for the patient.  One common and painful condition in this regard is known as Facet Syndrome, and this health issue is often caused by the negligence of another person or entity that results in an injury to the patient.

Below you'll find information regarding the nature of Facet Syndrome, the common symptoms associated with this condition, treatment options for someone who has been diagnosed with this condition, common causes of Facet Syndrome and finally how you should proceed if you or someone you love has been harmed by someone else and now must struggle to overcome this condition.

Facet Syndrome - A Brief Overview

Facet joints are structures that exist in pairs behind each vertebra, which are the bones in the spinal cord.  These facet joints link the two vertebrae above and below each joint.  This is done so that the spine can move and maintain the flexibility it needs for a person to be able to move around normally.  

The bones that form the facet joints are essentially the same in structure as joints found in the knees, and the bone matter in these joints is covered by a layer of cartilage known as articular cartilage.  There is also a lining membrane around the joint and a sac that's in place nearby.  All of these components allow for a strong connection between vertebrae and protection of the joint so that it can continue to hold its range of motion and provide stability and flexibility for the spinal cord and the back.

Facet Syndrome occurs when some sort of damage is done to these structures.  There are many different symptoms that would lead to this diagnosis, and a few common examples of Facet Syndrome symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back
• Stiffness in response to basic movements that include standing and sitting
• Deep, dull pain in the buttocks and/or the back of the thigh
• Pain that becomes more intense with body movements requiring flexibility
• Neck pain
• Headaches

Facet Syndrome can occur either in the neck or in the lumbar region of the lower back.  

Treatment Options for Facet Syndrome

At this point, there is no hard-and-fast 'cure' for Facet Syndrome.  Instead, doctors will typically call for a multi-faceted approach to healing that includes:

• Medication
• Ongoing physical therapy
• Activity modification
• Posture repair/adjustment
• Surgery to destroy the nerve endings in the area that cause the pain

Clearly, these treatment options are not only expensive, but time-consuming, painful and long-lasting.  Many people ultimately overcome their immediate symptoms, but some face a lifetime of pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Facet Syndrome

Facet Syndrome is most commonly caused by injury or trauma inflicted upon the area, and whiplash has been identified by many as one of the causes of this condition.  Most understand that whiplash is a soft tissue injury that results from sudden and forceful trauma that's centered on the head, back and/or neck.  As a result, examples of incidents that can lead to the development of Facet Syndrome include:

• Slips and falls
• Blunt force trauma
• Auto accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Workplace injuries

If these causes sound familiar, you may have an opportunity to pursue justice for the damages you've suffered that include medical costs, costs of ongoing care, lost income and pain and suffering.  

Alaska Back Injury Lawyers - How to Proceed

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Facet Syndrome and it was caused by someone else's negligence, you need the help of experienced and successful Alaska back injury lawyers to make sure you're giving yourself the best opportunity to obtain a justifiable recovery.  Contact Barber & Banker today to schedule a free initial consultation.