Facet Joint Related Neck Pain and Chiropractic Treatment

Understanding Neck Pain: Could It Be Facet Joint Syndrome?

If you’re experiencing neck pain, one of the most common causes is a facet joint sprain, also known as Facet Joint Syndrome. While this is a frequent injury, other conditions can also cause neck pain, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important.

Chiropractors undergo 4 to 5 years of specialised training to understand and treat muscle and joint problems effectively.

Facet joints are the small joints at the back of your spine that connect each vertebra to the next. They help guide and limit movement, allowing you to bend and twist your spine smoothly.

When one of these joints is injured, it can become inflamed and painful. As a result, the surrounding muscles often go into spasm to protect the area—this can feel like a pulled or tight muscle.

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Why Do Facet Joint Injuries Happen?

A facet joint sprain often results from minor repetitive movements or trauma, even from actions you’ve done many times before without pain. This could include lifting, bending, reaching, or twisting awkwardly.

Common triggers include:

Poor posture
Heavy lifting
Sleeping in an awkward position
Sitting badly for long periods
Sudden falls or whiplash injuries
Stress or fatigue that affects your movement

The spine works like a chain. If one joint is stiff, another may overcompensate and become over-mobile. This increases the risk of injury.

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What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Facet Joint Sprain?

Book an appointment with your chiropractor as soon as possible. They will assess your spine, diagnose the issue accurately, and begin appropriate treatment

What Does Treatment Involve?

Initial treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation by avoiding movements that aggravate the joint. However, complete rest is not recommended.

Chiropractic care often includes:

Gentle spinal manipulation (not on the injured joint) to ease muscle spasm
Advice on posture, movement, and sleeping positions
Exercises to reduce pain and restore movement
Gradual introduction of core stability exercises to strengthen your spine

Your chiropractor will tailor the treatment plan to suit your specific condition. Treatment is not usually painful, and care is taken to avoid aggravating the injury.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

Once your pain has improved, your chiropractor will help you maintain spinal health and reduce the risk of recurrence through:

Postural advice
Ergonomic support for your workspace
A custom exercise plan to strengthen and stabilise your spine

In chronic (long-standing) cases, treatment may need to continue over a longer period to manage symptoms and maintain mobility.

What About Medication?

Some patients report that painkillers are not always effective. If your pain is severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be an option, but it’s important to be aware of their possible side effects.

Always discuss medication use with your chiropractor or healthcare provider.

How Long Will Recovery Take?

The healing time varies depending on:

The severity of the injury
How long you’ve had the problem
Your activity levels and compliance with treatment

Your chiropractor will discuss your personalised treatment plan, including how often you should come in and what you can do at home to speed up recovery.

Need Help Now?

If you’re experiencing neck pain that doesn’t improve, don’t wait. Book a consultation with your chiropractor to get the right diagnosis and start your journey to recovery.