Cervical & Lumbar Exam Flashcards
Chief Complaints of the Cervical Spine
Posterior neck pain Upper trap/shoulder pain Pain between the shoulder blades Weakness Alterations in fine motor control Numbness: specific or generalized Ataxic gait
Things to Observe of the Patient’s Movements & Actions
General appearance
Abnormal pain behaviors
Mood & affect
Gait
Inspection of the Cervical Spine
Skin
Posture
Palpation of the Cervical Spine
Cervical point tenderness
Muscle spasms
Lymphadenopathy
Range of Motion for the Cervical Spine
Flexion
Extension
Lateral bending
Rotation
Sensory Testing Area for C5
Lateral upper arm
Sensory Testing Area for C6
Lateral forearm
Sensory Testing Area for C7
Middle finger
Sensory Testing Area for C8
Ulnar border of the hand
Sensory Testing Area for T1
Medial upper arm
Grades of Muscle Strength & Description
5/5: normal power 4/5: active movement against gravity with resistance 3/5: active movement against gravity 2/5: active movement without gravity 1/5: trace or flicker of movement 0/5: no movement
Muscle Strength Testing of C5
Deltoids
Biceps
Muscle Strength Testing of C6
Biceps
Wrist extension
Muscle Strength Testing of C7
Wrist extension
Wrist flexors
Triceps
Finger extension
Muscle Strength Testing of C8
Finger flexion
Muscle Strength Testing of T1
Intrinsics (fanning fingers)
Special Cervical Spine Tests
Axial loading
Foraminal compression test (Spurling’s)
Hoffman’s Reflex
What is a positive Spurling’s sign?
Pain radiates to arm toward which head is side flexed
Describe Hoffman’s Reflex
Have the hand relax
Flick the end of the middle finger
(+) other fingers may flex
What does a positive Hoffman’s reflex reflect?
Presence of an upper motor neuron lesion from spinal cord compression
Reflex for C5
Biceps
Reflex for C6
Brachioradialis