Cervical facet syndrome

Neck pain arising from the small facet joints of the cervical spine.

Overview

Cervical facet syndrome describes pain from the facet joints of the neck. Pain is usually one-sided, worse with looking up or turning, and may refer into the shoulder or head. It responds well to mobility work and manual therapy.

Symptoms

One-sided neck pain
Pain worse with extension or rotation
Referral into the shoulder or head
Localised joint tenderness

Causes

Degenerative change in the facet joints
Sustained or repetitive neck postures
Previous neck injury

Treatment

Neck mobility and strengthening exercise
Manual therapy as an adjunct
Posture variety and ergonomic advice
Targeted injection in persistent cases