If you read my last blog on the Wilmslow Half, and saw the title of this, then I’m guessing you’d be guessing the injury is a knee or ankle, maybe a calf. Oh no, its my neck!!

I’m sure it was a little bit stiff over the weekend, but when I woke up on Monday, it was really uncomfortable. Every time I looked to my left or upwards, I had to move my whole body, looked like Davros!! Ended up trying to get in the doctors on Monday afternoon. When I phoned in the hope of an appointment, I assumed there wouldn’t be any as I hadn’t pre-booked my illness two weeks before, but I had a cunning plan. I asked for an appointment, and sure enough, nothing today cam the reply. I was asked what was wrong and I explained I had a sore neck, and then played my trump card by telling them it also gave me some headaches, which was true to a degree. Anyway, a slot magically appeared at ten to five so I was in.

To be fair to my GP, they’re not as bad as a number I hear about and they do actually listen and spend some time with you so I should be grateful for that. When I got there, he got me to do some movements whilst he poked and prodded around my neck and shoulder and diagnosed me as having Posterior Facet Joint Dysfunction.

The facet joints are found at every spinal level (except at the top level) and provide about 20% of the twisting stability in the neck and low back. At each given spinal level the angle of the facets varies from more parallel to more perpendicular, relative to a plane running through the body from front to back. Each facet joint is positioned at each level to provide the needed limits to motion, especially to rotation and to prevent forward slipping (spondylolisthesis) of that vertebra over the one below. In his view, one of my facet joints had become inflamed, which gave me the pain.

He prescribed me some tablets that would reduce the inflammation, but I have to take a rest from any training for at least a week, maybe two. Never thought I would say this, but that was a real gutter, to be told I cant train. Now I’ve got the HM out of the way, I really wanted to get on and concentrate on the bike and now I cant. He mentioned physio but I may leave it for the time being and see how I get on with some rest.

Might even have time to do another update to this now I’ve got some time off!!