Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of resisted and
assisted manipulative techniques in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome.
Method: Thirty participants were recruited, all of which were between the ages of eighteen
and forty-five years. Participants needed to present with signs and or symptoms that indicate
cervical facet syndrome as well as have restricted cervical vertebrae as determined by
motion palpation. Exclusion criteria included contra indications to chiropractic treatment. All
the participants had chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy either in the form of resisted or
assisted technique to a restricted cervical spine segment.
Procedure: Participants received a total of six treatments, twice weekly for three
consecutive weeks. On the seventh visit, in the fourth week, no treatment was administered.
Objective data was obtained from the Cervical Range of Motion Inclinometer and subjective
data was obtained via the Visual Analogue Scale and the Vernon- Mior Neck pain and
Disability Index questionnaire.
Results: The groups exhibited an increase in range of motion together with a decrease in
pain. Improvement occurred in both groups over all the treatments thus showing a great
difference when comparing treatment 1 to 7. However Group 1 showed a statistically
significant improvement with the mean cervical range of motion score to the right. Group 2
showed a statistically significant difference in the mean cervical range of motion score to the
left.
Conclusion: This study has shown that both treatment protocols were effective in
decreasing pain and disability and increasing cervical spine range of motion in patients with
cervical facet syndrome. Small differences were found between the groups on subjective
and objective measurements but overall showing positive improvements statistically and
clinically.