ROM Cervical Spine

Question 0

ROM: cervical flexion- tape measure method

Answer 0

Measure from distance between tip of chin and lower edge of sternal notch
Make sure patient keeps mouth closed during measurement
1.0-4.3cm average

Question 1

Cervical Spine Flexion

Answer 1

AROM 0-45 degrees
Testing position: sitting with t-spine and l-spine well supported in a chair
Stabilization: at shoulder girdle to prevent flexion at t-spine l-spines
Testing motion: move head anteriorly into flexion
Alignment:
Axis- external auditory meat us
Prox arm- perpendicular parallel to the ground
Distal arm- align with base of nares

Question 2

ROM: cervical extension

Answer 2

AROM: 0-45 degrees
Testing position: sitting in a chair
Stabilization: prevent t- and l-spine extension
Testing motion: move head into extension
Alignment:
Axis- external auditory meatus
Prox arm- perpendicular or parallel to the ground
Distal arm- align with base of nares
Tape measure method- same as for flexion; 18.5-22.4 cm

Question 3

ROM: cervical lateral flexion

Answer 3

AROM: 0-45 degrees
Testing position: sitting in chair supported
Stabilization: at shoulder girdle
Testing motion: pull head towards shoulder
Alignment:
Axis- C7 spinous process
Prox arm- perpendicular to ground, in line with t-spine
Distal arm- dorsal midline of head, occipital tuberance as reference
Do not allow any rotation, flex, or ext
Tape measure method: measure from mastoid process to tip of acromial process 10.7-12.9 cm

Question 4

ROM: cervical rotation

Answer 4

AROM: 0-60 degrees
Testing position: sitting in chair, fully supported
Stabilization: shoulder girdle
Testing motion: grasp chin and rotate head, moving it towards shoulder
Alignment:
Axis- cervical aspect of head
Prox arm- imaginary line between acromial process
Distal arm- in line with tip of nose
Tape measure method: from tip of nose to acromial process
11.0-13.2 cm