What occurs in the left cervical facet joints when a client turns their head to the right?

When a client turns their head to the right, the left cervical facet joints undergo an upglide movement. This occurs because the cervical spine is designed to facilitate rotation through the zygapophyseal joints (facet joints). As the head turns right, the left facet joint opens and moves superiorly, allowing for increased space within the joint and facilitating movement. This upgliding is essential for normal functional mobility and helps maintain healthy biomechanics during head movements.

The left facets' upglide is necessary to accommodate the rotation of the head, as the movement requires the left cervical facets to pivot upward and backward while the right cervical facets move downward and forward. Understanding this principle is crucial for corrective exercise practitioners, as it helps inform strategies for improving neck mobility and addressing any associated dysfunctions or discomfort in clients.