What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Facet Joint Arthropathy: Treatment, Causes & Symptoms

Facet Joint Arthropathy Diagnosis, Treatment & Cure at QI Spine Clinic

What are the Symptoms of Facet Joint Arthropathy?

Stiffness in the back is one of the most common symptoms of facet joint arthropathy. However, symptoms depend largely on the location of the inflamed joint and what nerves it affects. Some of the common symptoms of facet joint arthropathy include:

Dull pain in the cervical or lumbar regions
Pain that radiates to the buttocks and legs
Pain and stiffness that makes it difficult to stand straight
A hunched posture, especially while walking
Tenderness at the area of the affected joint

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 8 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

What Causes Facet Joint Arthropathy?

Aging is a key factor in the occurrence of facet joint arthropathy as conditions such as arthritis can affect the cartilage and bones of these joints and cause inflammation. Other causes of facet joint arthropathy include:

Pressure overload on the facet joints
Injury, as in the case of an automobile accident
Bone spurs that protrude and press against adjacent nerves
Infections such as tuberculosis
Sports-related injuries
Conditions such as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease
Curvature of the spine caused by conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Facet Joint Arthropathy Treatment

Facet joint arthropathy is generally treated with pain medication and physiotherapy. However, these treatments for facet joint arthropathy manage the symptoms but they do not address the underlying cause which results in pain recurrence. However, QI uses the most technologically advanced methods to accurately pinpoint the problem for a complete resolution and lasting results.

Advanced Diagnostic Technologies

Conventional tests such as MRIs and X-rays are only able to detect bone and tissue damage but they cannot pinpoint the weak stability muscles that have caused this problem. QI uses Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) which is the most technologically advanced spine function test to quality and quantify muscle function. This test enables the spine specialist to identify key problem areas in order to deliver precise and targeted treatment. This arrests the progression of the condition and helps to reduce damage and inflammation of the affected joint.

Pain Relief Without Side Effects

Facet joint arthropathy pain can be quite severe which is why conventional treatment generally consists of strong painkillers such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these medications can lead to serious health problems including addiction and an increased the risk of stomach ulcers and heart attack.

QI provides non-pharmacological pain management methods including Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM), which is an advanced method of pain management that utilizes low levels of electric current to reduce pain and promote tissue repair. Multiple FSM sessions may be required for those with severe facet joint arthropathy pain.

Individualized Treatment Protocols

Conventional treatments help to reduce facet joint arthropathy pain; however, in most cases, the pain relief is temporary and the chance of recurrence is very high. QI customises every treatment protocol depending on the needs of each patient in order to reduce pain as well as prevent recurrence. Treatment protocols for facet joint arthropathy focus on flexor and extensor group of muscle tissue reconditioning, as well as core strengthening and kinetic control.

QI’s treatment protocols are derived from an algorithm based on over 47,000 past cases and ensures that every patient with facet joint arthropathy receives treatment that is best suited to his/her needs. After a complete and thorough physical assessment, our spine specialists will recommend various stabilizing and strengthening medical movements. Based on the intensity of pain, they will also suggest the McKenzie Method and Mulligan’s joint mobilization. All these treatments help to provide lasting relief from facet joint arthropathy pain.

If you suffer from facet joint arthropathy pain, make sure that you visit a spine specialist for timely treatment.