Arthritis through degeneration, also known as osteoarthritis, results in the breakdown of the bone and cartilage of the spine over time from the natural wear and tear that comes with aging. Arthritis can occur in different areas of the spine causing impairing neck or low back problems but, among the different types of osteoarthritis, facet joint arthritis is among the most common of all the degenerative lumbar spine conditions.
The facet joints are aligned on the back of the spinal column, linking each vertebra together. The joints are covered with articular cartilage that function jointly with the spinal disc spaces between each vertebra to allow movement and flexibility on the spine. Although, like other joints in the body covered with articular cartilage, the facet joint cartilage will breakdown as a result of degeneration which makes them more prone to be affected by arthritis.
Healthy facet joints naturally fit together in between each vertebra, gliding smoothly without friction or pressure but if stress begins to build where the joints meet, the articular cartilage on the surface wears off. Facet joint arthritis can also develop as a result of a previous back injury. Degenerative or herniated disc problems, fractures, and ruptured ligaments cause an abnormal misalignment of the spine, adding extra stress and pressure on the surfaces of the joints.
Significant low back pain is usually the first resulting symptom of facet joint arthritis. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of flexibility and mobility of the spine and pain or discomfort that radiates down into the buttocks and down the back of the leg due to the local inflammation and swelling of the joints. If your symptoms become persistent and increase to a debilitating degree, it might be time to consult your specialist.
Dr. Jimenez advices on the treatment protocols for facet joint arthritis consisting of adjustment and manipulations techniques such as the cox flexion distraction technique among others, followed by the appropriate stretches and exercises that will be best for you.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
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The information on this blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
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We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & Multistate
Texas RN License # 1191402
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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