Whiplash: The most common mechanism of injury in a motor vehicle accident for cervical facet syndrome is whiplash, which results from a rapid back-and-forth moƟon of the neck. This sudden movement can overextend or compress the facet joints, leading to injury. Direct Impact: A direct blow to the head or neck can cause trauma to the cervical facet joints. TwisƟng: A sudden twist or turn of the head and neck can strain or injure the facet joints. Symptoms and Effects of Cervical Facet Syndrome: Localized Pain: Pain is usually localized to the neck. It can be sharp, aching, or feel like a pinching sensaƟon. Referred Pain : Depending on which facet joints are affected, the pain can radiate to the back of the head, shoulders, or upper back. Restricted Range of MoƟon: There might be sƟffness or difficulty turning the head or looking up and down. Headaches : OŌen described as occipital headaches, which are located at the base of the skull. Tenderness: The skin over the affected facet joint might be sensiƟve to touch. Muscle Spasms : Muscles around the affected joint might spasm as a reacƟon to pain and inflammaƟon. Signs to IdenƟfy Cervical Facet Syndrome AŌer an MVA: Physical ExaminaƟon: A physician might idenƟfy localized tenderness over the affected facet joint or pain when the joint is palpated or moved in certain direcƟons. Radiographic Imaging: While X-rays can show arthriƟc changes or alignment issues in the cervical spine, an MRI or CT scan can provide more detailed imagery of soŌ Ɵssue structures and the facet joints.
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