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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Manuel Pavon

El doctor garcia nos atendio estupendamente y nos resolvio nuestro problema de dolor

Silvi FM

Gran profesional (en mi caso la doctora Farre), trato muy agradable de todo el equipo (la doctora, la recepcionista Marian...), atención siempre con una sonrisa y muy empáticas. Se interesa por tu caso como paciente e intentan ofrecerte la mejor de las opciones.

Response from the owner:Gracias Silvi por compartir tu experiencia en MIVI Salud en ciudad. Nos alegra saber que tuvo una excelente visita con el Dra. Ferrer y equipo Saludos

Sara Blanco Varas

Excelente clínica, el trato y la atención recibida ha sido estupenda. Gracias a Juan en especial por lo bien que me ha atendido.

Response from the owner:Muchas gracias Sara ! Nos alegra saber que tu experiencia en MIVI Salud fue excelente. Esperamos poder servirle nuevamente en el futuro. Saludos

Gisela Ballester

Response from the owner:Gracias por tu valoración Gisela! Un saludo

Vicente

El Dr.Orduña es excepcional la profesionalidad y trato hacia el paciente,me quita el dolor lumbar con el tratamiento.

Response from the owner:Gracias Vicente por las 5 estrellas y por confiar en nuestros servicios y en el doctor Orduña. En MIVI Salud estamos para ayudar a nuestros pacientes de la mejor forma posible. Un saludo.

Pedro Gilbert

Fue una buena decisión acudir al Dr Manuel David García por su acierto a la hora de proponer los tratamientos, y también por su trato atento y cercano.

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

Maria Rosa Pastor

Ja man visitat 3 vegades i estic super contenta de la atencio i els resultats

Rocio Bolorino parejo

Response from the owner:Gracias Rocio, por tu confianza en MIVI Salud Un saludo

Nieves López Angel

Ayuda a tener calidad de vida.
Resaltar la atención tan buena y detalle de cada intervención e informes.

Response from the owner:Muchas gracias Nieves. Te agradecemos que manifiestes públicamente tu opinión pues siempre intentamos cuidaros y atenderos con profesionalidad. Saludos.