Cervical spine pain related to the facet joints

Neck pain is a common diagnostic entity, with a lifetime prevalence of between 65% and 80%. Appreciation of the role of the cervical facet joints in the etiology of cervical spine pain is paramount to providing sustained pain relief for individuals suffering from degenerative and posttraumatic neck pain. Studies have demonstrated that approximately 60% of patients who sustain whiplash-type rear-end motor vehicle collisions would have pain that results from the facet joints alone, or in conjunction with the cervical intervertebral disks.
Source: Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research