Email : admin@mskdoc.co.nz | Phone : 02727 00100
Opening Hours : Mon-Friday : 10 AM – 4 PM
Email : admin@mskdoc.co.nz | Phone : 02727 00100 | Opening Hours : Mon-Friday : 10 AM – 4 PM
Email : admin@mskdoc.co.nz | Phone : 02727 00100
Opening Hours : Mon-Friday : 10 AM – 4 PM
Email : admin@mskdoc.co.nz | Phone : 02727 00100 | Opening Hours : Mon-Friday : 10 AM – 4 PM
By: Dr Zaid Matti
Musculoskeletal Medicine Specialist
Neck pain can significantly impact daily life, reducing mobility and diminishing quality of life. One common cause of neck pain is cervical facet joint pain, a condition affecting the small joints located between the vertebrae in your neck. This guide will help you understand what cervical facet joint pain is, its symptoms, and the various treatment options available.
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints situated between and behind adjacent vertebrae throughout the spine. In the neck, these joints support the weight of your head and facilitate smooth, controlled movements such as turning and tilting your head.
Facet joint pain occurs when these joints become inflamed or damaged due to arthritis, injury, or natural degeneration. This condition can lead to considerable discomfort, presenting symptoms such as:
Persistent neck stiffness
Limited range of motion
Sharp or achy pain that may radiate into the shoulders or arms
Increased pain with certain movements or prolonged positions
Effectively managing cervical facet joint pain involves a comprehensive approach tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Treatment options include:
Exercise and Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen neck muscles, improve flexibility, and significantly reduce pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joints can provide rapid, temporary pain relief, especially beneficial when oral medications are insufficient.
Medial Branch Blocks: Diagnostic injections that numb the nerves supplying the facet joints. If pain relief occurs, it confirms facet joints as the pain source.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy: A procedure that disrupts the nerves’ ability to transmit pain signals, offering more prolonged pain relief.
PRP therapy is an innovative treatment that leverages the body’s natural healing capabilities. The procedure involves:
Drawing a small sample of blood from the patient
Processing it to concentrate platelets
Injecting this platelet-rich solution directly into the affected facet joints
How Does PRP Help? Platelets contain growth factors crucial for tissue healing and reducing inflammation. Injecting PRP stimulates the repair of damaged tissues, potentially providing long-lasting pain relief and improved joint function.
Benefits of PRP:
Natural Healing: Uses the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Minimally Invasive: Non-surgical with quick recovery.
Durable Relief: Can reduce dependency on repeated injections or long-term medication.
Reduced Inflammation: Helps manage chronic joint inflammation effectively.
Selecting the appropriate treatment depends on your pain severity, underlying conditions, and previous therapy responses. Collaborate closely with your healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of therapies for optimal outcomes.
Cervical facet joint pain is manageable, and understanding your options is the first step toward relief and recovery.