An inflamed facet joint is the source of Tiger Woods’ neck pain – which may require little more than rest and massage before he returns to PGA Tour competition.
Woods underwent an MRI exam Wednesday and disclosed the results on his website. The prognosis is for a full recovery, though he may need to stay away from the practice range for several days.
Woods has stated he wants to return to defend his title at the Memorial Tournament, which begins June 3. Of greater importance is the U.S. Open two weeks later at Pebble Beach, where he romped to a record 15-shot triumph a decade ago.
It’s worth noting that medical journals state facet-joint pain is a common byproduct of whiplash. On Monday, Woods strongly denied that his current ailment had anything to do with the Thanksgiving night SUV wreck that sent his personal life into a downward spiral.