Chronic Pain

Vertebral Artery Insufficiency Risk exercise guide

Conditions affecting blood flow through the vertebral arteries that supply the brain. Risk factors include advanced age, vascular disease, and certain anatomical variations. Requires caution with neck positioning.

Prescriptions

Cautions

Medical clearance recommended

Use clinician guidance before starting or progressing this module, especially after injury, surgery, or symptom flare.

Safety notes

AVOID: Sustained end-range extension combined with rotation, aggressive SCM stretching, forceful neck manipulations, and any position that causes dizziness, vision changes, or nausea. USE: Small-range controlled movements, isometrics, and postural work in neutral positions. Stop immediately if dizziness occurs.

Contraindications

Avoid Completely

Finger Extensor Stretch (Gentle): Stretching hypermobile joints increases instability

Avoid Completely

Finger Flexor Stretch (Table): Stretching hypermobile fingers causes more instability

Use Caution

Thumb Web Space Stretch: Thumb web stretch may overstretch hypermobile thumb

Modify: Keep very gentle, don't push range

Use Caution

Rubber Band Finger Opens: High-rep extension band work may cause hyperextension

Modify: Lower reps, don't fully extend fingers

Avoid Completely

end_range_loading: End-range loading stresses already lax ligaments

Modify: Keep exercises in mid-range

Avoid Completely

extension_rotation_combined: Sustained end-range extension with rotation can compromise vertebral artery blood flow.

Modify: Keep movements small and controlled. Stop immediately if dizziness, vision changes, or nausea occur.

Prescribed exercise pathways

Phase and safety-level mappings make condition guidance actionable for home programs, clinician plans, and future personalization.

Prescriptions are being reviewed

This condition module is live; exercise prescriptions will appear as reviewed mappings are published.