Cervical Facet Syndrome

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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Fatima Goncalves

Excelente trato y beneficios de un 100% con los tratamientos en la clínica del dolor. AGRADECER AL Dr Duca por su trato amable y cercano. DESDE LUEGO LO RECOMIENDO

Response from the owner:Gracias Fátima por compartir tu experiencia en MIVI Salud . Nos alegra saber que tuvo una excelente visita con el Dr.Ducca
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Pedro Piñero

Response from the owner:Muchas gracias Pedro, por tu valoración!
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Ariadna Garcia

Un sitio de 10.

Isabel

Desde que me infiltró el Doctor Garcia mi vida a cambiado ahora llevo un mes sin dolores y no puedo estar más contenta. Mi más sincero agradecimiento al Doctor y a la unidad del dolor.

Response from the owner:Muchas gracias Isabel por tu reseña tan positiva sobre el Dr. García y nuestra Unidad del Dolor
En MIVI Salud estamos para cuidar de ti!

JC Grau

Grandes profesionales. Eficacia y acompañamiento personalizado

Response from the owner:Gracias por su reseña! Nos alegra mucho saber que le hemos brindado una experiencia tan positiva en MIVI Salud
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Noelia Picazo

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Sandra Gonzalez

Fantàsrica atenció

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Agustina Frecha

Excelente atención tanto por parte de los fisioterapeutas como de las recepcionistas.

Mireia Ribalta

Una experiència molt positiva i el
Dr. David García molt bon professional, especialista en el tractament del dolor. Ha aconseguit que torni a dormir tota la nit sense dolor ni medicació.
No hi ha llistes d’espera i busca el tractament més idoni per cada pacient. Molt agraïda.

Response from the owner:Gràcies Mireia per compartir la teva experiència a MIVI Salut .Ens alegra saber que va tenir una excel·lent visita amb el Dr.Garcia
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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!