Pain in the neck: Woods says MRI reveals inflammation, return uncertain

Woods says he has inflammation of neck joint

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tests reveal that Tiger Woods has an inflamed neck joint that causes pain and makes it hard to turn his head.

Woods says on his website that an MRI on Wednesday determined he has inflammation in the facet joint of his neck. He says the treatment will include soft-tissue massage, anti-inflammatory medicine and rest.

The world’s No. 1 player withdrew on the seventh hole of the final round Sunday at The Players Championship and feared he had a bulging disk because of pain he had felt since before he returned at the Masters.

Woods expects a full recovery, although he did not say when he would be able to return.