Cervical Facet Syndrome | Neck Pain, Stiffness & Treatment Options

Описание: Cervical Facet Syndrome Exercise Program

⸻

🟦 PHASE 1: Pain Reduction & Joint Protection (Days 1–14)

Goals
• Reduce cervical facet joint irritation
• Decrease compressive loading
• Restore gentle, pain-free motion
• Improve postural awareness

Mobility (Pain-Free Range Only)

✔ Perform 2–3× daily
1. Cervical Retraction (Chin Tuck – Seated or Supine)
• Hold 3–5 sec × 10 reps
• Cue: “Slide head straight back, not down.”
2. Gentle Cervical Rotation (Mid-Range)
• 5–10 reps each side
• Stop before symptom reproduction
3. Upper Cervical Flexion/Extension (Nodding Motion)
• Small, controlled range
• 10 reps

⸻

Postural Decompression
• Supine cervical unloading (towel support if tolerated)
• Frequent posture resets during daily activities
• Avoid prolonged static positions

⸻

Avoid During Phase 1

🚫 End-range extension
🚫 Extension + rotation
🚫 Sustained looking up
🚫 Sudden head movements

⸻

🟨 PHASE 2: Stability & Controlled Mobility (Weeks 2–4)

Goals
• Improve cervical motor control
• Activate deep neck stabilizers
• Reduce segmental overload

Cervical Stabilization

✔ Perform 1–2× daily
1. Deep Neck Flexor Activation (Supine Chin Tuck Lift-Off)
• Hold 5–10 sec × 5–8 reps
• No visible SCM dominance
2. Cervical Isometrics (Neutral Spine)
• Flexion, extension, side-bending
• 5 sec hold × 5 reps each direction
3. Controlled Cervical Rotation (Eyes → Head)
• Slow, controlled motion
• 8–10 reps

⸻

Scapular Support (Key for Facet Load Reduction)

✔ 3–4× weekly
• Low-load scapular retraction
• Serratus activation in upright positions
• Emphasis on endurance over max strength

⸻

🟩 PHASE 3: Endurance, Strength & Functional Control (Weeks 4–6+)

Goals
• Improve cervical endurance
• Increase tolerance to functional rotation and extension
• Reduce recurrence risk

Progressive Strength & Control

✔ 3× weekly
1. Prone Propped on Elbows – Cervical Control
• Neutral cervical alignment
• Hold 20–30 sec × 3–4 sets
• Focus on postural endurance
2. Resistance Band Cervical Rotation (Short Arc)
• 2–3 sets × 10 reps
• No symptom reproduction
3. Resistance Band Retraction Holds
• Hold 10–20 sec × 5–8 reps
• Emphasize postural endurance

⸻

Functional Integration
• Controlled head turns (driving simulation)
• Gradual return to overhead and visual scanning tasks
• Activity-specific head control as needed

⸻

🔁 Flare-Up Strategy
• Temporarily return to Phase 1 mobility
• Reduce extension-rotation exposure
• Resume stabilization once symptoms calm

⸻

🧠 Patient Education Emphasis
• Facet joints are load-sensitive, not fragile
• Pain does not equal damage
• Endurance is is better than stretching alone
• Consistent movement improves outcomes

⸻

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

Not a fully comprehensive program.
Patients should undergo a thorough medical history review and clinical examination. Individualized plans are developed after clinical decision-making. This is a general educational guide, not medical advice. This is for rehab clincian use.

⸻

📺 Follow ChadGOrthoOT

YouTube: ChadGOrthoOT
Instagram: @ChadGOrthoOT

⸻

#OccupationalTherapy
#CervicalFacetSyndrome
#NeckPain
#ExerciseForPain
#ChronicPainEducation
#OTRehab
#ChadGOrthoOT
#PainScience