Cervical facet syndrome is the most common cause of neck pain. It also has the ability to refer pain into the upper back and even into the upper extremities. Typical presentation includes someone who reports a minor to moderate traumatic onset (turning of the head or motor vehicle accident) of neck and arm pain. The individual may also report no recent trauma and may be aggravated by occupational work or work at home. The type of pain is typically deep, dull, and achy with stiffness. This can also be accompanied by non-specific pain down the arm into the hand.

Causes of neck pain, cervical facet syndrome.

Sustained postures and repetitive neck motions can cause facet syndrome. The main structures involved that become pain sensitive are the joints themselves, the ligaments that surround the joints, and the postural muscles that become tight due to the brains unique ability to utilize them during the condition. The tight postural muscles can give rise to tension headaches that are typically felt bilaterally. The tight postural muscles also have a unique ability to refer pain down the arm. The pain in the arm from facet syndrome is typically a deep, dull, achy pain that is diffuse and hard to localize. It is commonly misdiagnosed as a “pinched nerve.”

Below you can see a diagram of deep somatic referral from the joint structures.

Neck pain treatment, cervical facet syndrome.

Facet syndrome is very responsive to spinal manipulation. This form of treatment utilizes small thrusts in the neck region to increase facet joint glide. This is necessary to relax tightened postural muscles and allow the exchange of nutrients into the joint. This expedites the body’s own healing response. Postural muscles tend to relax after a few series of treatments, yielding some relief from headaches. Other modalities used for cervical facet syndrome include manual traction, trigger point therapy, interferential TENS, and ultrasound. All of these can be applied by your chiropractic orthopedist.

When to see a specialist.

Seeing a specialist for neck pain is always a good idea as soon as it arises. Seing a specialist like a chiropractic orthopedist can ensure proper diagnosis and treatment formulation. With many complications that can lead to neck pain, this type of specialist is well trained in identifying these complications. In office Xray can be utilized to get a closer and more comprehensive look at the bony neck structures. If you suffer from neck pain and want to see a specialist, call our othopedist today at 540 898 4100. Or click here to schedule on our online scheduler.