Cervical Facet Disease

Cervical Facet Disease: Non-Surgical Treatment in Palm Beach

Cervical facet disease refers to arthritis or degeneration of the small facet joints that line the back of the cervical (neck) vertebrae. These joints guide and limit neck movement, and when they degenerate, they become a significant source of neck pain, stiffness, and referred headache.

Facet joint injections are among the most commonly performed procedures at Palm Beach Regenerative, and Dr. Ghattas's precision with image-guided cervical injections is a cornerstone of the practice's spine care approach. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

What Is Cervical Facet Disease?

Each cervical vertebra has two facet joints, one on each side, connecting it to the vertebra above and below. As these joints degenerate with age or injury, the cartilage thins, bone spurs form, and the joint capsule becomes inflamed. The C2-C3 through C6-C7 levels are the most commonly affected.

Signs and Symptoms

• Aching neck pain, often localized to one side
• Pain that worsens with neck extension or rotation
• Morning stiffness that improves with movement
• Referred pain or aching into the shoulder, upper back, or base of skull
• Headaches originating from the upper cervical facet joints
• Limited neck range of motion

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Age-related joint degeneration
• Prior neck injury or whiplash
• Repetitive neck strain from posture or occupation
• Cervical instability placing excess load on the facet joints
• Inflammatory arthritis affecting the cervical joints

How It Is Diagnosed

Cervical MRI or CT can show facet joint arthritis. Diagnostic medial branch nerve blocks, which temporarily anesthetize the nerves supplying the facet joints, are the most reliable way to confirm that the facets are the primary pain source.

Dr. Ghattas uses both imaging review and diagnostic injections to accurately identify whether cervical facet disease is the driver of your symptoms before recommending a treatment approach.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Physical therapy for cervical stabilization and posture correction
• NSAIDs and pain medications
• Facet joint steroid injections for temporary relief
• Medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Burning the nerves supplying the facet joints for longer-term but non-permanent pain reduction

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

Rather than temporarily numbing or destroying the nerves supplying the facet joints, Dr. Ghattas targets the facet joints directly with orthobiologic treatment, using image-guided PRP injection to address the underlying inflammatory arthritis.

This approach supports the joint's biological environment and may provide more durable relief by addressing the root cause rather than the pain signal alone.

For patients with confirmed cervical facet pain who have responded to diagnostic blocks, orthobiologic facet injection represents a meaningful non-surgical alternative to repeated steroid or RFA procedures. Reach out to Palm Beach Regenerative today.

The BioMod Advantage: MLS Robotic Laser Therapy applied to the cervical region reduces facet joint inflammation and paraspinal muscle tension. Xymogen joint support and anti-inflammatory protocols work systemically to create a better healing environment for the arthritic cervical facet joints.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.