What is

The facet joints are small joints that stabilize and reinforce the spine in all its segments. They perform fundamental functions for the cervical region since, together with the intervertebral disc, they stabilize and cushion the loads produced by movement, in addition to allowing rotation and flexion-extension movements of the neck.

When a disc wears out, the distance between the vertebrae decreases in such a way that these joints contact each other, becoming inflamed and triggering pain. If the alteration is not corrected, the joints will continue to wear out, producing what is known as facet syndrome.

 

Causes

It is usually caused by degeneration of the facet joints in the cervical area. To this fact contribute:

  • Degeneration of the intervertebral disc: discoarthrosis, disc protrusion or disc herniation.
  • Trauma
  • Inflammation of the facet joints in the cervical segment.
  • Degeneration of the facet joints.

Symptoms

The most frequent symptom is pain in the cervical region, in a space on both sides of the center of the neck.

This pain has some peculiar characteristics that help to differentiate it from other types of cervical pain:

  • It is located in the spine in the center slightly to the sides (in what is called the paravertebral area).
  • It may radiate to the shoulder, shoulder blades, elbow and proximal arm.
  • It is accentuated in the movements that these joints develop (extension, flexion, rotation).

Approach protocol

Diagnosis and assessment

A correct medical evaluation will be necessary by means of a good anamnesis, physical examination and, if necessary, support of imaging tests. Focusing especially on detecting the factors that lead to the overload of these joints and assessing whether the injury is exclusively at a vertebral level or if there are more conditions in adjacent areas. The multidisciplinary vision is essential for a comprehensive, personalized approach, focused on achieving prolonged pain relief depending on the phase in which it is found and may involve the collaboration of neurologists, neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, rehabilitators and physiotherapists.

Complementary tests

X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging are usually performed.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the physician’s diagnosis and may be applied:

    • Drugs for pain relief
    • Physiotherapy: methodology based on knowledge and clinical reasoning in which we combine a series of techniques and treatments both manual therapy and invasive techniques, always associated or complementing them with cutting-edge technology that allows us to accelerate the recovery process. Among other high-tech devices include Magnetolith, SIS, focal shock waves, Indiba, among others. This therapeutic combination allows us to activate the patient early to begin with a routine and a process of specific therapeutic exercises that allow us to enhance and strengthen the lost functional patterns.
    • Interventional treatments:
      • Facet blocks
      • Facet radiofrequency
      • Functional rehabilitation

Here begins your life without pain

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Nuestros clientes opinan

Francisco Javier Trigo Hunt
Andrea me ha tratado estupendamente. Es una pedazo de profesional. La recomendaría 100%.
Belen Nieto
Durante el verano me hicieron un tratamiento para la fascitis plantar aguda con espolón y aunque estaba segura que mejoraría sin embargo no creí que quedaría tan bien. Gracias Javier. Lo recomiendo 100℅
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias por su comentario y recomendación Belén, estos detalles siempre nos ayudan a mejorar y a seguir creciendo! Se lo comunicaremos al compañero Javier!
alejandro gonzalez ruiz
Cada vez que vengo a este sitio me lo paso genial gracias a los fisios , evaluaré la posible lesion de mi tobillo para volver
Francisco Tirado mena
Un gran profesional y amable por el doctor-cirujano del dolor.Y que decir de vosotros los enfermeros, amabilidad y abundais en dar tranquilidad con vuestras palabras.Un saludo.Y animo,a todos los que sienten dolor a que pasen al doctor García Lois y notarán la diferencia.Un saludo para todos.Un saludo y buen día para tod@s.
Response from the owner:Muchas Gracias Francisco ! Te agradecemos que manifiestes públicamente tu opinión pues siempre intentamos cuidaros y atenderos con profesionalidad. Saludos.
Dolors L
Una vez más muy agradecidos por la atención recibida por todo el personal que ha intervenido en la atención a nuestro familiar. Muchas gracias a todos.
Montse Perarriera
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias por tu valoración Montse! Un saludo
Rafael Segura Jimenez
Ya lo conocia y ahora llendo otra vez los médicos y lo fisios de 10 atentos amables y muy 👌👍buenos en su trabajo y las chicas de rescisión estupendas lo recomiendo
Gisela Ballester
Response from the owner:Gracias por tu valoración Gisela! Un saludo
Jordi Torrubia cazorla
Atención de 10, tanto en la recepción, la chica es super amable, como en atención con el doctor y enfermeras.
Recomendable al 100%.
Carlos Ferrando
Equipazo de la Unidad del Dolor de La Quirón. Te dejas hacer por la delicadeza en el trato y la confianza que generan TODOS. MUCHÍSIMAS GRACIAS
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias Carlos ! Nos alegra saber que tu experiencia en MIVI Salud fue excelente. Esperamos poder servirle nuevamente en el futuro. Saludos

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