Cervical Spine - Examination

Question 1

What is the general layout of a cervical spine exam?

Answer 1

• WIPE
• Look
• Feel
• Move
• Reflexes

Question 2

How would to explain and gain consent for a cervical spine exam?

Answer 2

1) ive been asked to examine the upper part of your back and spine, this will involve having a look, feel and move.
2) you will have to be exposed from the waste up and the examiner will act as the chaperone today
3) would that be ok?
4) Are you in any pain at all - in your upper back, neck, or anywhere else?
5) If you do experience any pain during this please let me know straight away.

Question 3

What do you look for on general inspection of the patient in a cervical spine exam?

Answer 3

• analgesia
• mobility aids
• neck brace

Question 4

What do you look for on closer inspection in a cervical spine exam?

Answer 4

• observe patients posture when sitting and standing.
• cervical lordosis
• scars
• muscle wasting

Question 5

What do you feel for in a cervical spine exam?

Answer 5

• palpate spinous processis for alignment and tenderness

- palpate the para spinal muscles, trapezius and upper back muscles for tenderness.

Question 6

How do you assess the movements in a cervical spine exam?

Answer 6

1) flexion (chin to chest)
2) Extension (tilt head backwards)
3) lateral flexion (ear to shoulder)
4) rotation (head turn)

Question 7

What reflexes do you test in the cervical spine exam and what are their nerve roots?

Answer 7

• supinator (C5, C6)
• biceps (C5,C6)
• Triceps (C6, C7)

Question 8

what are the end pieces of a cervical spine exam?

Answer 8

• full PNS of upper and lower limb