Cervical Facet Joint Pain
Article by John Miller
Treating Cervical Facet Joint Pain: A Physiotherapist’s Guide
What is Cervical Facet Joint Pain?
Cervical facet joint pain, a common source of neck discomfort, arises when the neck’s facet joints sustain an injury. Located between the vertebrae, these synovial joints play a crucial role in guiding and limiting neck movement. Also known as neck facet joint disease, this condition can lead to pain and mobility issues.
Causes of Cervical Facet Joint Pain
This pain typically stems from joint disturbances causing either hypomobility (stiffening) or hypermobility (excessive movement). Causes range from neck arthritis, bone spurs, and muscle spasms to trauma like fractures or diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Recognising Locked Facet Joints
Locked facet joints often result from simple yet awkward movements, exacerbated by previous injuries or muscle weakness. This locking can severely restrict mobility and is a common symptom of facet joint issues.
Read more: Acute Wry Neck
Symptoms
The primary symptom of a facet joint injury is pain, potentially extending to the shoulders or arms. Locked joints can particularly limit movement in specific directions, while muscle spasms may occur in response to an injury.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Physiotherapists diagnose facet joint injuries through hands-on assessments, as standard imaging might not reveal the issue. Treatment varies, focusing on unlocking joints, regaining motion, and strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence. In cases of hypermobility, stabilisation programs are key.
What Results to Expect
Most patients experience significant relief through physiotherapy. The effectiveness depends on the duration and cause of the issue. Strengthening exercises are crucial for managing facet joint instability.
Other Treatment Options
Additional treatments include neck massages, dry needling, acupuncture, facet joint injections, and in chronic cases, radiofrequency treatment. However, these should complement, not replace, physiotherapy.
Conclusion
Cervical facet joint pain, while common, can significantly impact daily life. However, with the right physiotherapy approach, most patients can achieve substantial relief and improved quality of life.
What to Do?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervical facet joint pain, consulting with a professional physiotherapist is crucial. They can provide tailored advice and treatment plans suited to your specific needs. Remember, each case is unique, and your path to recovery will be personalised.
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Welcome to the "Neck Pain Causes" page, where we comprehensively explore the factors contributing to neck pain. Neck pain results from a wide array of issues, including injuries to neck joints, muscle-related incidents, bone-related traumas, disc-related problems, nerve-related discomfort, vertigo symptoms, occupational triggers, headache and migraine factors, systemic diseases, and more.
Whether you seek information about muscle cramps, whiplash, osteoporosis, or posture improvement products, this page offers valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions, aiding your understanding and management of neck pain causes.
General Information
Neck Joint Injuries
Muscle-related Injuries
Bone-related Injuries
Disc-related Injuries
Nerve-related / Referred Pain
Vertigo-related
Occupational Causes
Headache/Migraine-related
Systemic Diseases
Neck & Posture Products & FAQs
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Your Comprehensive Guide
General Neck Pain FAQs
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Physiotherapy FAQs - What to Expect from Physiotherapy for Neck Pain?
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Neck Exercises
Exercise FAQs - What Neck Exercises Can Help Alleviate Discomfort?
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Neck, Vertigo & Dizziness FAQs
Can Your Neck Trigger Vertigo or Dizziness?
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Headache FAQs
Solving Neck-Related Headaches
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Posture FAQs
Correcting Years of Poor Posture
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Improving Your Posture - What Steps to Take
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Posture Improvement Products & FAQs - Your Posture Allies
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Lifestyle and Ergonomics FAQs
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Pillow FAQs
Finding the Perfect Pillow
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