04/08/2026
Facet joint injuries are one of the most common pain sources we see after auto accidents, and they’re often overlooked.
During a collision, the spine is forced into rapid extension and rotation as the body accelerates and then abruptly stops.
That sudden compression and shear places significant stress on the facet joints, irritating the joint capsule and surrounding structures.
Patients will often describe sharp, localized pain with certain movements, especially looking up or turning, even when imaging looks relatively normal.
This is why understanding the mechanism of injury matters.
Not every case is a disc issue, and when facet joints are the driver, the treatment approach needs to reflect that.
