Car accidents put tremendous stress on the spine, even at low speeds. While many people are familiar with whiplash, another common yet less understood condition is facet joint irritation. At StoneBridge Chiropractic in Richfield, MN, we regularly see patients from the Twin Cities metro area with this type of spinal injury — and we know how to help.
What Are Facet Joints?
Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra are facet joints. These small joints allow your spine to bend, twist, and move smoothly.
When these joints are irritated or inflamed, they can cause:
- Localized pain in the neck or back
- Stiffness or reduced mobility
- Pain that worsens when bending backward or twisting
- Discomfort that can radiate into the shoulders, hips, or legs
How Car Accidents Cause Facet Joint Irritation
In a collision, the sudden force can:
- Jam the facet joints together
- Stretch and strain the supporting ligaments
- Misalign the spine and surrounding tissues
Even a minor “fender bender” can be enough to trigger ongoing irritation in these sensitive joints. Left untreated, facet irritation can lead to chronic neck or back pain.
How We Diagnose Facet Joint Irritation
At StoneBridge Chiropractic, we start with a thorough examination:
- Hands-on examination to feel for areas of tenderness and stiffness
- Orthopedic tests to check joint function and movement
- Advanced imaging (X-rays or MRI) if needed, we’ll refer you to a radiology lab to rule out more serious injuries
This helps us pinpoint whether your pain is truly from the facet joints or another part of your spine.
Chiropractic Treatment for Facet Joint Irritation
Chiropractic care offers safe, non-invasive relief. At our Richfield clinic, we use a combination of therapies to reduce pain and restore movement:
- Chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine and relieve pressure on the joints
- Electric muscle stimulation (EMS) to calm tight muscles around the spine
- Cervical traction to gently relieve pressure on the joints
- Therapeutic ultrasound to promote healing and decrease inflammation
- Soft tissue work like massage, cupping, or Graston Technique to ease muscle tension
- Rehab exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and prevent re-injury
By addressing both the joints and the surrounding soft tissues, we help patients recover more quickly and completely.
Why Choose StoneBridge Chiropractic?
- Personalized Care: Every patient gets one-on-one time with the doctor.
- Local Expertise: Serving Richfield, Bloomington, Edina, Minneapolis, and the greater Twin Cities.
- Whole-Body Approach: We don’t just mask the pain; we treat the underlying cause.
