Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Rehabilitation

What is Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome?

Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome occurs when the small joints at the back of the cervical spine become irritated, inflamed, or degenerative. These facet joints are crucial for allowing movement in the neck while also providing stability to the cervical spine. As these joints wear down, often due to age or repetitive strain, they can cause localized neck pain that may radiate to the shoulders or upper back.

Facet joint syndrome can develop as a result of age-related degeneration, poor posture, sudden injury, or repetitive motions that place strain on the neck. When the cartilage between the joints begins to wear away, it can cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness, making it difficult to turn or move the neck freely.

Causes of Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome

Several factors contribute to the development of cervical facet joint syndrome, including:

• Age-related degeneration: As we age, the cartilage that cushions the facet joints naturally wears down, leading to irritation and inflammation in the joints. This is the most common cause of cervical facet joint syndrome.

• Repetitive strain: Poor posture, improper ergonomics, and repetitive neck movements, especially in individuals who engage in manual labor or sit for extended periods, can contribute to the wear and tear on the facet joints.

• Trauma or injury: Sudden trauma, such as whiplash from a car accident, can damage the facet joints, leading to inflammation and pain.

• Osteoarthritis: The development of osteoarthritis can lead to the degeneration of the facet joints in the cervical spine, contributing to pain and stiffness.

• Genetic factors: Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing facet joint issues, which increases the likelihood of developing Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome.

Symptoms of Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome

The symptoms of cervical facet joint syndrome can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain: This pain is usually localized in the back of the neck and may worsen with movement, especially turning the head from side to side.

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion: A reduced ability to move the neck or stiffness when attempting to turn the head is common.

• Pain radiating to the shoulders or upper back: In some cases, the pain may spread to the shoulders, upper back, or even the head.

• Tension headaches: Some individuals with cervical facet joint syndrome may experience headaches due to referred pain from the neck.

• Worsened pain with certain activities: Neck pain may intensify with activities that require looking down, heavy lifting, or maintaining the neck in a certain position for extended periods.

• Tenderness: The area around the facet joints, especially in the neck, may be tender to touch.

Diagnosis of Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome

To diagnose cervical facet joint syndrome, healthcare providers will conduct a thorough physical examination. During this exam, they will assess your range of motion, strength, and reflexes, as well as test for tenderness or pain around the facet joints.

If a facet joint syndrome is suspected, the following diagnostic tests may be ordered:

• X-rays: X-rays can help detect any bone spurs or signs of degenerative changes in the cervical spine, though they do not show soft tissue damage such as inflammation or joint degeneration.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI provides detailed images of both the bones and soft tissues in the neck, allowing for a clearer view of any inflammation or structural damage in the facet joints.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan can give detailed cross-sectional images of the cervical spine and reveal any abnormalities in the facet joints.

• Facet Joint Injection: In some cases, a diagnostic facet joint injection, where a local anesthetic and corticosteroid are injected into the facet joint, can help confirm the diagnosis. If the injection relieves pain, it suggests the facet joint is the source of the problem.

Treatment Options for Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome

Treatment for cervical facet joint syndrome generally begins with conservative, non-surgical approaches aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. More severe cases may require additional interventions. Below are the most common treatment options:

Conservative Treatments:

1. Physiotherapy
   Physiotherapy is essential for managing cervical facet joint syndrome. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our physiotherapists work with you to:

   • Relieve pain: Through manual therapy, gentle mobilization, and modalities like heat and cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.

   • Improve neck mobility: Stretching exercises and joint mobilizations to help restore normal range of motion in the neck.

   • Strengthen supporting muscles: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the neck and upper back to provide better stability and prevent further injury.

   • Postural correction: Educating you on proper posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the cervical spine.

2. Exercise Physiology
   Exercise physiology can help strengthen the muscles that support the neck, improve mobility, and reduce overall discomfort. A personalized exercise plan can focus on:

   • Neck strengthening exercises.

   • Improving core stability to provide better overall spinal support.

   • Gentle aerobic exercises to improve circulation and reduce stiffness.

3. Pain Management
   Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) may be used to manage inflammation and pain. If needed, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications, muscle relaxants, or corticosteroid injections for more severe symptoms.

4. Shockwave Therapy
   At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we use advanced shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that utilizes acoustic waves to help reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue healing, and relieve pain in the affected area.

5. eMTT Therapy
   Electromagnetic Tissue Therapy (eMTT) is another innovative treatment that utilizes electromagnetic waves to stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce pain, and improve mobility in the neck.

Surgical Treatments:

In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options for facet joint syndrome typically aim to relieve pressure on the affected joints or nerves and may include:

• Spinal Fusion: If the facet joints are severely degenerated, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary to stabilize the cervical spine by joining two or more vertebrae together.

• Facet Joint Denervation: This procedure involves cutting the nerves that carry pain signals from the affected facet joints to the brain, providing pain relief for individuals with chronic facet joint pain.

How to Prevent Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome

While it may not always be possible to prevent cervical facet joint syndrome, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing or worsening the condition:

• Maintain good posture: Avoid slouching or prolonged periods of poor posture, which can put undue strain on the facet joints.

• Strengthen your neck and upper back muscles: Regular exercises that target the neck, upper back, and shoulders can help support the cervical spine and prevent excessive wear on the facet joints.

• Avoid repetitive movements: Take breaks from activities that involve repetitive neck movements, such as prolonged computer use, heavy lifting, or looking down.

• Manage stress: Stress can contribute to muscle tension in the neck, which may aggravate facet joint pain. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga may help alleviate stress-related discomfort.

Get Professional Help for Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome

If you're experiencing symptoms of cervical facet joint syndrome, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experts is committed to helping you achieve long-term pain relief, mobility, and improved quality of life.

Book your appointment today and take the first step towards managing your cervical facet joint syndrome effectively.