Neck Pain (Cervical Facet Dysfunction)

What is it?

Facet Dysfunction can be a sudden or gradual onset of neck pain accompanied by tightness of the neck muscles. 

Pain can be localised to one side of the neck or both sides. The pain can also be referred into the head or shoulder region. 

Mechanism of Injury

Anyone can get facet dysfunction but it commonly occurs from around 50 years of age. It can also occur in people who’ve had a history of accidents, heavy work or poor posture. 

Common Management Techniques

Physiotherapy uses a combination of massage, joint mobilisations, stretches and strengthening exercises 

You can do the following things at home:

• Heat and massage. Applying a heat pack to the painful area may help. Massage using an analgesic balm (ie. Voltaren, Fisiocrem) can also relieve symptoms. 

• Sleeping and pillows. Avoid sleeping on too many pillows. Pillows should support the head without bending the neck to an angle. 

• Tailored Exercise. Keep neck mobile within your comfort zone. We can design gentle exercise that aids a more rapid recovery. 

• Posture. Keep a good posture during all tasks. As part of a patient’s treatment, our Physiotherapist’s will demonstrate how to achieve this. 

• Pain Relief. Medications prescribed by your GP, such as pain relief of anti-inflammatories can assist in reducing pain.

Prognosis

Often Facet Dysfunction is a transient and self-limiting condition that can recover in a matter of a few weeks. 

The Physiotherapists at Palms Physiotherapy are skilled in treating neck ailments and can effectively assist with pain relief and rapid recovery.