Understanding Whiplash -- Facet Joint Injuries

The facet joints are small joints located at the back of each vertebra in your spine.  Each vertebra has two sets—one on top and one on the bottom—that connect with the vertebrae above and below.  These joints help keep your spine stable and allow for controlled movements like bending and twisting.

In a whiplash injury—often from a car accident—the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward.  This rapid motion can strain or irritate the muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules that surround the facet joints.  Since these tissues are full of pain-sensitive nerves, even a small injury can lead to significant discomfort.

Pain from facet joint injuries is usually felt directly in the neck or upper back and often gets worse when turning the head or looking up.  Some people may also feel pain in the shoulder blade area.  If a nearby nerve becomes irritated, symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain may travel down the shoulder, arm, and even into the hand.

During an evaluation, we will check how your neck moves and whether certain movements make the pain worse—especially bending backward or turning your head.  We will also gently press on different areas of your neck to find spots of tenderness or stiffness.  Specific tests help rule out other causes of pain like a herniated disk or pinched nerve.  If needed, X-rays may be taken to check for more serious issues like fractures or signs of advanced arthritis.

Like other joints in the body, facet joints can wear down over time, especially after an injury.  This wear-and-tear is called degenerative joint disease (or osteoarthritis), and it’s more common as we get older.  However, an untreated injury can speed up this process, making early care especially important.   Studies show those who are involved in a whiplash injury are six times more likely to develop this arthritis.

We use a variety of techniques to help people recover from whiplash and facet joint pain:  Gentle spinal adjustments, stretching or mobilization, exercises to restore strength and flexibility, low level laser therapy, and guidance on posture and daily habits.  Other tools like traction and dry-needling can help reduce pain and inflammation.  In more complex cases, we may work with your medical doctor or refer you to a specialist to ensure the best possible outcome.

This article is based on content originally published by Chiro-Trust.org. It has been adapted for use on this website with permission.