Cervical Facet Joint Injuries
Cervical facet joints are small paired joints that lie at the back of the neck, providing a rear connection between the seven vertebrae of the neck. Facet joints are typical joints in that they are lined with cartilage, coated with joint fluid and surrounded by a joint capsule. When these joints are damaged or in flamed they can produce pain. Facet joints are also a common site of arthritis.
Cervial fact joint injuries
Injuries to the cervical facet joint often occur from strain, overuse, poor posture and muscle tightness around the neck. This can be caused as a result of an injury to the area or it can develop over time. Injuries to the cervical spine can typically refer pain into the head, shoulder, upper back and chest region.
Facet joint injury symptoms
- Neck stiffness and muscle tightness
- Pain on one side of the neck
- Dif culty turning your head
- Pain with neck movements
- Shoulder and chest pain with no reasonable cause
- Headaches and scalp tenderness
- Hard lumps or “knots” around neck region
Facet joint injury treatment
- Manual joint therapy (cervical mobilisation & manipulation)
- Muscle therapy (soft/deep tissue massage, trigger point release & neural stretches)
- Dry needling to relieve muscular tension and provide pain relief
- Electrotherapy (ultrasound, heat packs)
- Postural correction (taping, braces, lumbar support & orthopaedic pillows help to promote correct cervical postures)
- Education regarding the cause of your pain
- Advice regards the use of nonsteroidal anti-in ammatories and pain medication
- Ergonomic advice & modi cation
- Clinical Exercise (strengthening the deep core muscles of the neck)
Self management
- Exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist
- Maintaining good posture
- Correct pillow for your neck and sleeping patterns (speak to your physiotherapist about this)
- Keeping your neck mobile