The facets are little joints in the back of the neck that help control movement . There are two at each level and about the same size as the knuckles on your small finger. These joints can become injured in a whiplash injury. Recent research shows that the joints can become jammed at time of impact . Injuries to these joints and the ligaments that hold them together can cause chronic neck pain .
Facets can swell like other joints.
This pain is usually worse in the morning or with less activity. It gets better as the day goes on and the tissues get warmed-up. Many patients say that they feel more pain when a storm front comes through. The pain usually occurs in one spot, but can be in many areas. The pain is described as deep, sharp, and often aching.