Articulations / METS for cervical region

Question 1

Articulation of OA joint into flexion and extension

Answer 1

lower hand thumb and forefinger contact OA joint

Gentle force to patient’s forehead to provide flexion and extension movements

Question 2

Articulation that increases sidebending and rotation at the OA joint in both directions

(translatory gliding motion)

Answer 2

Neck is flexed.

Osteopathic belly supports patient’s head

Rotate head

Question 3

Articulating the AA joint into rotation

Answer 3

IMP. full neck flexion to isolate the AA joint.

Rotate head

Question 4

Articulating the cervical spine into flexion

• gross or segmental

Answer 4

Lift head into increasing flexion and monitor movement between spinous processes

Question 5

Articulating the cervical spine into extension

• take care due to effects on vertebral artery

Answer 5

Press fingers anteriorly as the patient lies relaxed on plinth

Question 6

Articulation to improve segmental side bending though the cervical spine

Answer 6

Practitioner uses side of finger against the articular pillar to create a side bend. Patient is relaxed lying on plinth.

Question 7

Articulation to increase segmental translation right and left through cervical spine

Answer 7

Use osteopathic belly. Fingertips are on the articular pillars to increase movement.

Question 8

Articulation to increase segmental rotation

Answer 8

Many hand positions possible, use articular pillars to aid rotation.