What is Facet Joint Syndrome?
Facet joint syndrome is a degenerative arthritic condition in the spine where the cartilage between the joints wears down and causes severe pain in the back and neck. The condition is caused by many factors, including stress on the spine caused by repetitive movements. Workers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and office environments can become victims of the syndrome when repetitive tasks are part of their daily work responsibilities.
What are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Syndrome?
Pain and decreased mobility and stiffness are the leading symptoms of facet joint syndrome. Unfortunately, by the time a victim seeks help from a medical professional, damage to the joints is already done. Inflammation in the joints, bone rubbing, and nerve damage is most often in its advanced stages at the time of diagnosis.
Facet joint syndrome typically affects people between 40 and 70 years of age. This arthritic condition can also be caused by a combination of repetitive tasks, obesity, poor posture, and spinal injuries. When the disorder is advanced, mobility and pain issues can significantly reduce a person’s ability to work.
Treatment for Facet Joint Syndrome
Treatment for facet joint syndrome should begin immediately upon diagnosis. The common course of treatment includes:
- Adjustments to posture
- Work environment accommodations to support proper spinal position
- Physical therapy
- Exercises to strengthen leg, back, and abdominal muscles
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Mechanical bracing
- Muscle relaxers
- Steroid joint injections
- Nerve block
- Radio frequency ablation
- Surgery
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When a worker suffers an injury or illness due to an accident, exposure to a toxic work environment, or from repetitive movements, Workers’ Compensation benefits can provide much needed compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Facet joint syndrome resulting from repetitive tasks required by a worker’s job duties will most likely be covered under Workers’ Compensation insurance, so long as the victim can provide medical evidence that the condition was the direct result of their job duties.
In some cases, Workers’ Compensation benefits can be initially denied. This does not mean that benefits will not be provided. Workers that have been denied benefits can appeal the decision and claim the benefits they deserve. Consulting with an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can ensure that the legal rights of the victim are protected and that they claim the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to receive.
Piscataway Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Workers Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you were diagnosed with facet joint syndrome, contact the Piscataway Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr today. We will review your case and fight for the benefits you rightfully deserve. Call us at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
