Cervical Spine Special Tests

Question 1

Foraminal Compression Test

Answer 1

Positive:

1) Exacerbation of localized pain
2) Exacerbation of cervical pain with a radicular component

Indicates:

1) Foraminal encroachment or facet pathology without nerve root compression
2) Foraminal encroachment or facet pathology with nerve root compression

Question 2

Cervical Distraction Test

Answer 2

Positive:

1) Diminished or Absence of localized pain
2) Diminished or absence of radicular pain
3) increase of cervical pain

Indicates:

1) Foraminal encroachment
2) Nerve Root Compression
3) Muscular Strain, Ligamentous sprain, myospasm, facet capsulitis

Question 3

Spinal Percussion Test

Answer 3

Positive:

1) Local Pain
2) Radiating Pain

Indicates:

1) Possible fractured vertebra, if pain over the spinous ligamentous involvement, if pain over the muscles muscular pain.
2) Possible Disc Pathology

Question 4

Shoulder Depression Test

Answer 4

Positive:

1) Localized pain on the side being tested
2) radiating pain on the side being tested
3) Radicular Pain on the opposite side being tested

Indicates:

1) Dural Sleeve Adhesion, and muscular adhesion/contracture, or spasm, or ligamentous injury
2) neuromuscular bundle compression, dural sleeve adhesion, or Thoracic Outlet syndrome
3) Foraminal Encroachment with nerve root compression

Question 5

Valsalva Maneuver

Answer 5

Positive: Radiating pain from the site of lesion (usually recreating the complaint in the cervical or lumbar area of the spine).
Indicates: Space occupying lesion (e.g. disc pathology)

Question 6

Swallowing Test

Answer 6

Positive: Difficulty in swallowing
Indicates: Space occupying lesion at anterior portion of cervical spine. Possibly esophageal or pharyngeal injury, anterior disc defect, muscle spasm or osteophytes etc.

Question 7

Soto-Hall Sign

Answer 7

Positive: Generalized pain in the cervical region, which may extend down to the level of T2
Indicates: Non-specific test for structural integrity of cervical region

Question 8

Kerning Sign

Answer 8

Positive: Inability to extend the leg and/or pain
Indicates: Meningeal irritation/meningitis

Question 9

Donoghue Maneuver

Answer 9

Positive:

1) Pain during passive ROM
2) Pain during active ROM

Indicates:

1) ligamentous sprain (Passive ROM stresses ligaments)
2) Muscle/tendon strain (Active ROM stresses muscles and tendons)