Princeton Neurological Surgery Offers Effective Treatment for Facet Joint Syndrome

Online, February 20, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Facet joints connect the bones of the spine. The nerve roots that pass through these joints extend from the spinal cord to the arms, legs, and other areas of the body. These joints allow for comfortable movement of the spine. When facet joints become wounded, the patient will usually experience severe pain. Fortunately, neurosurgeon Dr. John Lipani of Princeton Neurological Surgery in Hamilton, New Jersey, offers patients effective treatment for this condition.

Dr. Lipani says that facet joint syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including traumatic injury, or joint overuse. Facet joint syndrome is sometimes linked to other conditions, such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, or arthritis.

According to Dr. Lipani, people with this condition will usually complain of pain and joint stiffness. This syndrome usually occurs in the neck or the back. When it occurs in the neck, a patient may experience severe headaches. Patients who experience the condition in the back are likely to experience significant lower back pain. Facet joint syndrome may also often cause the patient to walk in a stooped position.

Dr. Lipani says that facet joint injections are an effective, minimally-invasive treatment option for patients with this condition. The procedure consists of a needle being inserted directly into the targeted joint, with imaging technology used to pinpoint the precise source of the pain. The injection is a mixture of a steroid and local anesthetic, which will help reduce inflammation, and temporarily relieve -symptoms. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete. Patients will be able to return home following treatment, and can resume normal activities the next day.

Dr. Lipani says that the best candidates for this treatment are those with severe leg, back, or neck pain that stems from the facet joints. Dr. Lipani says that this procedure is performed when other methods, such as wearing a back brace or taking anti-inflammatory medications, have failed to work. The treatment is not considered ideal for patients who are pregnant, or those with an infection.

Dr. Lipani carefully evaluates each patient, to make sure they receive the best care possible. Dr. Lipani practices at Princeton Neurological Surgery, located in Hamilton, New Jersey. His practice can be reached directly at 609.890.3400, or by visiting www.princetonneurologicalsurgery.com.

About Dr. Lipani

Dr. Lipani is the founding Director of Princeton Neurological Surgery, P.C. and JD Lipani Radiosurgery Institute. He previously served as the founding Director of the Institute for Neurosciences at Capital Health in Trenton, NJ.

Dr. Lipani also headed the first Neurosurgical Oncology program at Capital Health and founded Capital's CyberKnife Radiosurgery program of the Penn Cancer Network. Dr. Lipani served as a Clinical Instructor in Neurosurgery at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics and is currently an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Medical College.

Dr. Lipani is Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having treated over 3,500 brain and spine radiosurgery cases, Dr. Lipani is known as one of the nation's top brain and spine surgeons and serves as a leading expert in brain and spine radiosurgery on three internationally recognized advisory review boards.

Princeton Neurological Surgery is located in Hamilton, NJ, and can be reached by telephone at 609-890-3400 or online at www.princetonneurologicalsurgery.com.

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