Zygapophyseal joints are also named
facet joints. Facet is a bit easier to pronounce than zygapophyseal,
and Johnson Chiropractic knows ‘facet’ is a whole lot easier to type than 'zygaopophyseal’! These joints are documented to be the source of neck-related
pain for many adults of all ages. Johnson Chiropractic uses
gentle chiropractic spinal manipulation to alleviate
neck pain like that produced by facet joint innervation.
FOUNDATIONAL STUDY
Mapping of normal volunteers’
responses to stimulation of cervical facet joints in the 1990s was foundational.
Five volunteers came forward to have their cervical spine facet
joints stimulated to see where neck pain and arm pain were observed.
Wow! These volunteers’ pain responses allowed for the making of easy-to-read
pain charts. (1) A follow up study of 10 patients with cervical spine pain compared their pain to that described
in the normal volunteers’ pain drawings to validate the initial
charts from normal volunteers. (2) Johnson Chiropractic sees confirmation
of these normal volunteers’ pain reports in our Richmond neck pain
patients! Decompression of spinal nerves with chiropractic helps.
NEW INFORMATION ON CERVICAL FACET JOINTS
New information from a current-day
dissection project added new facts to the role
cervical facet joints (aka zygapophyseal joints) exhibit in
neck pain and arm pain. At some levels, more than one medial branch was seen.
Direct facet joint branches were found that came
from the dorsal root of the spinal nerve. These were independent
from the medial branches in their direct route to the facet
joint. Current day researchers suggest
that there is a more diverse pattern
of innervation than has already been noted. (3)
Johnson Chiropractic appreciates the nuances of spine pain and the research that found them.
EXAM AND TREATMENT
Clinical observation, examination, and imaging findings
guide the diagnosis of neck pain given the complexity
of cervical facet joints. (4) The cervical spine facet joint is innervated by
mechanoreceptive (mechanical pressure-inducing) and nociceptive (nervous system
related pain-inducing) nerve fibers engaging the dorsal root
ganglia and end processes of the spinal cord. The central nervous
system is complex and quick to respond to these painful stimuli,
both pressure and nerve related. (5) That is why your
Richmond chiropractor takes time in examining, diagnosing and
treating Richmond neck pain. There are many
factors to consider! Our Cox® Technic System of Spinal
Pain Management is soothing, non-thrust manipulative
treatment of the cervical spine for Richmond neck pain relief.
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
Listen to the PODCAST
with Dr. Sean Delahunt on the
Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
explains the effective, gentle treatment with the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain
Management for his male patient with neck pain and tingling in
his arm and hand.
Make your next Richmond
chiropractic appointment with Johnson Chiropractic. Pick your word: zygapophyseal
or facet! We are here to discuss, diagnose, and
treat them for relief of neck and arm pain.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."