The cervical facet capsular ligaments surround each zygapophyseal joint from C0-C1 through C7-T1, restraining excessive motion at each level. They contain Ruffini mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings that contribute to cervical proprioception and pain respectively. Whiplash injury produces capsular ligament microtrauma and inflammatory sensitisation that contributes to chronic cervical pain.
| Origin | Inferior articular process of the superior vertebra |
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| Insertion | Superior articular process of the inferior vertebra at each cervical level |
| Actions | Restrains cervical facet joint motion; primary restraint against excessive flexion and rotation at each cervical segment |
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Cervical facet joint pain from capsular ligament injury or degeneration accounts for approximately 50 percent of chronic neck pain after whiplash. The diagnosis is confirmed by medial branch nerve block providing greater than 50 percent pain relief. Radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch provides 6 to 12 months of pain relief in confirmed facet pain.
Cervical facet capsular microtrauma from rapid flexion-extension producing chronic cervical pain confirmed by medial branch block and managed with radiofrequency ablation.
