FACET JOINT STRAIN

During certain movements of the neck, stretching or compression forces are placed on the facet joint. Repetitive forces such as prolonged computer use, or high forces such as a motor vehicle accident, may damage the connective tissue surrounding the joint. This is known as a facet joint sprain.

Causes of a facet joint sprain

• Poor posture in everyday activities, sport or sleeping
• Neck joint stiffness
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Poor core stability
• Muscle weakness or tightness
• Inappropriate or excessive lifting, bending , slouching or twisting movements of the neck
• A lifestyle involving large amounts of sitting, bending, slouching or lifting.
• Traumatic activities eg. Motor vehicle accident

Signs and symptoms of a facet joint sprain

Patients with a facet joint sprain typically complain of neck pain, stiffness and muscle spasm that is worse on one side than the other. This can occur during or the day after the causative activity. The pain can also refer to the shoulder, mid back or arms. This may be aggravated by head or arm movements, lifting, or prolonged postures such as sitting. Your physiotherapist will be able to diagnose a facet joint sprain after a thorough subjective and objective examination. Consult a medical professional immediately if you experience:

·         Red flags

·         Pins and needles

·         Numbness

·         Tingles

·         Pain radiating to the arm or shoulder blade

·         Dizziness, nausea

·         Severe constant neck pain

·         Pain on coughing, sneezing etc

·         Visual disturbances

·         Upper limb weakness

What can your physio do to help with neck pain?

There is evidence that some physical therapies and staying active are the best means of treating acute neck pain. Physiotherapy may help reduce neck pain and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Treatment may comprise of

·          Postural correction

·          Joint mobilizations to reduce joint stiffness

·          Strengthening of weak stability muscles

·          Stretches of tight muscles

·          Postural taping

·          Prescription of posture braces, lumbar rolls, pillows

·          Acupuncture or dry needling

·          Clinical Pilates

·          Electrotherapy

·          Activity modification and ergonomic advice

What makes a good posture?

• Head faces forward
• Draw your chin back until the ears are in line with the shoulders
• Shoulders relaxed and drawn back slightly
• Slight arch in lower back
• Feet shoulder width apart

• Balance your weight evenly between left and right legs, front and rear foot