CERVICAL SPINE

Question 1

SPURLINGS TEST

Answer 1

Pt seated
Rest elbows on pt head
Apply force down
Extension + compress
Extension + rotation + compress (asymptomatic side first)
Extension + rotation + side bend + compress (asymptomatic side first)

Question 2

SPURLINGS - WHAT DOES IT TEST?

Answer 2

Local sprain/strain
Joint damage
Facet irritation
Cervical sublux
Increased pressure on nerve roots

Question 3

SPURLINGS - POSITIVE TEST

Answer 3

Radicular pain, altered sensation in dermatomal distribution (increased pressure on nerve roots)
Local neck pain is NOT positive (local sprain.strain, joint damage, facet irritation, cervical sublux)

Question 4

JACKSON’S COMPRESSION

Answer 4

Pt seated
Pt rotates head to one side (asymptomatic first)
Apply force down on head

Question 4

JACKSON’S COMPRESSION

Answer 4

Pt seated
Pt rotates head to one side (asymptomatic first)
Apply force down on head
Repeat on symptomatic side

Question 5

JACKSON’S COMPRESSION - WHAT DOES IT TEST?

Answer 5

Increased pressure on nerve roots
DJD
Osteophytes
Disc
Radiculopathy

Question 6

JACKSON’S COMPRESSION - POSITIVE TEST

Answer 6

Peripheral pain
Altered sensation in dermatomal distribution

Question 7

DISTRACTION

Answer 7

Pt seated
Cup pt chin with one hand
Use other hand to support occiput
Lift pt head

Question 8

DISTRACTION - WHAT DOES IT TEST?

Answer 8

Muscles, ligaments, capsule
Increased pressure on nerve roots
Facet irritation
Disc
DJD

Question 9

DISTRACTION - POSITIVE TEST

Answer 9

Relief of symptoms (facet irritation DJD)
Increased local pain (muscles, ligaments or capsule)
Decreased radicular pain and/or alternate sensation in a dermatomal distribution (increased pressure on nerve roots)