The purpose of this study was to determine whether adjusting the top segment of a primary fixation in the direction of the restriction, as well as the bottom segment in the opposite direction, would show significantly greater improvement than by only adjusting the top segment of a primary fixation in the direction of restriction, in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. This study was a controlled clinical trial of 30 randomly divided subjects, diagnosed as having cervical facet syndrome. The first treatment group received an adjustment in the direction of the restriction only. The second treatment group had the top segment of the fixation adjusted in the direction of the restriction, as well as the bottom segment in the opposite direction. Measurements of the cervical spine ranges of motion and the completion of the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101, CMCC Neck Disability Index, and the McGill Short-Form Pain Questionnaire were performed. The results indicated that both treatment groups had significant objective and subjective improvement (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference noted between the two treatment groups was at the month follow-up consultation for the forward flexion range of motion measurement (p < 0.05). Graphical presentation of cervical range of motion improvement also suggests that the second treatment group showed a greater objective improvement. From the results, it is apparent that both approaches to adjusting the cervical spine are effective in treating cervical facet syndrome. However, it appears that the second method of treatment may be more effective than the first.

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