Facet syndrome refers to pain in a specific section of the spine caused by irritation of the facet joints. This irritation is often caused by arthrosis, i.e. wear and tear of the cartilage surface of the facet joints. In principle, facet syndrome can occur at any point in the spine. The spinal column is divided into three sections: The cervical spine (cervical spine), the thoracic spine (thoracic spine) and the lumbar spine (lumbar spine) The most frequent facet syndrome occurs in the lumbar spine, the second most frequent in the cervical spine.
What is a cervical facet syndrome?
A cervical facet syndrome is a facet syndrome in the area of the cervical spine (cervical spine). Especially the middle and lower part at the transition to the thoracic spine can be affected by a facet syndrome. The cervical facet syndrome can have wear-related (degnerative) causes as well as accidents such as whiplash (cervical spine distortion). A cervical facet syndrome is mainly manifested by pain in the neck area, which can radiate into the shoulder, shoulder blades and arms.
What are the possible causes?
Cervical facet syndrome can have the following causes: Whiplash injury Damage to the intervertebral disc (herniated disc) Wear-related damage to the vertebral joints (arthrosis) Inflammation of the small vertebral body joints (arthritis) Spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord runs) Blockage of vertebral joints Congenital malformations These are the most common causes.
- Whiplash
- Damage to the intervertebral disc (slipped disc)
- Wear-related damage to the vertebral joints (arthrosis)
- Inflammation of the small vertebral body joints (arthritis)
- Spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the canal through which the spinal cord runs)
- Blocking of vertebral joints
- Congenital malformations
Symptoms of cervical facet syndrome
The cervical facet syndrome manifests itself mainly through pain. These occur in the area of the neck and can radiate into the arms, hands, shoulder and shoulder blades. Often the pain is accompanied by tension in the area of the neck.
The mobility of the head can also be limited. Often affected patients report a deterioration in mobility and an increase in pain during the course of the day. Pain is a common symptom in cervical facet syndrome. The pain occurs in the area of the neck and often radiates into the arms, hands, shoulder and shoulder blades. In addition to the pain, there may also be tension and restricted movement, which can also be painful and unpleasant.
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