Facet Joint Disorders

One of the reasons back pain is so common is that it has many different causes. Our spinal columns are complex systems, and there are several points where wear or breakage can cause widespread discomfort. We utilize a wide range of safe, holistic treatments at Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield to ensure that our patients heal properly, but first, we need to be able to identify the cause of their problem. When a person has intermittent bouts of back pain that radiate to nearby limbs, they may have a facet joint disorder.

In the backs of the vertebrae are bony arches through which the spinal cord runs. Attached to these arches are protuberances that connect to the protuberances of the vertebrae above and below, forming facet joints. The facet joints allow the spinal column a bit of tortion and bend, but they mostly keep the vertebrae in place. When they are damaged, whether through wear and tear or an injury, it is likelier that a vertebra will become displaced and that inflammation will develop around the joint.

Facet joint disorders rarely affect the spinal nerves. Pain may radiate through the muscles to the upper leg or arm, but rarely further. However, the symptoms of facet joint damage otherwise appear similar to herniated discs, which is why we’ll need to perform manual and imaging diagnostics. Treatments for facet joint disorder include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, electric muscle stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound. We may also recommend that a patient engage in therapeutic exercises that will strengthen their back muscles, relieving pressure from the facet joints.

Kosak Chiropractic is located at 1252 Travis Blvd., Suite G, Fairfield, CA, 94533. To schedule an appointment, visit Kosak Chiropractic online or call 707-426-1111.

 

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Lower back pain is one of the most common afflictions in the United States, and it has several potential causes. Among the lesser known ones is sacroiliac joint dysfunction. When patients are suffering from joint problems, Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield provides safe treatments that target the source of a problem, as well as its symptoms, so we wanted to talk a bit about what makes sacroiliac joint dysfunction distinct.

The sacrum is a body of fused vertebrae at the base of the spine. The iliac bones are the crests of the pelvis it connects to. Dysfunction in these joints may cause inflammation, called sacroiliitis. Pain here can radiate through the lower back, pelvic region, and legs and tends to be worse after a prolonged period of standing or using the gluteal muscles. Although sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be caused by an infection, it is much likelier to be due to a degenerative condition or a traumatic injury that has damaged the structure of the joint.

Our treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction include manual adjustments of the bones and soft tissue manipulation for loosening muscles, such as electrical stimulation and massages. We can also prescribe therapeutic exercises that will strengthen the pelvic muscles and keep them flexible during recovery, allowing them to better support the sacrum in the future. Our office’s nutritional counseling service educates patients on what nutrients they need to keep their joints cushioned and lubricated and how they can control their weight to prevent their pelvic joints from being overburdened.

Kosak Chiropractic is located at 1252 Travis Blvd., Suite G, Fairfield, CA, 94533. To schedule an appointment, visit Kosak Chiropractic online or call 707-426-1111.