Facet joint problems are among the most common sources of lower back and neck pain. They can cause debilitating, chronic problems with the neck and back and can lead to other more serious conditions and symptoms that can be disabling.
Cervical facet joint syndrome, or cervical facet osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition marked by stiffness and pain in the cervical region (neck) of the spine. Patients are able to gain relief from various types of facet joint pain treatment, including chiropractic care.
The symptoms of cervical facet joint pain tend to vary from patient to patient. A patient may experience one or several of these symptoms:
- Tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and arm
- Neck pain
- Upper back pain that can affect the shoulders
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Headaches, typically located in the back of the head
- Swelling and tenderness at the site of the inflamed facet joint
- Decreased range of motion and flexibility in the neck
