Special Test of the Head & Neck

Question 1

What are all the Special test of the Head and Neck?

Answer 1

Cervical Compression, Cervical Distraction, First Rib mobility, Orbicularis Oris, Scalene Cramp, Scalene Relief, Spurling’s, Swallowing, Vertebral Artery, Anterior Neck flexor AR / Anteriolateral AR, 3 Knuckle, Posteriolateral neck flexor AR, Tempomadibular joint AF ROM.

Question 2

What does Cervical Compression and Spurling’s Test for?

Answer 2

They both test for compression of a cervical nn root or facet joint irritation in the lower C-spine.

Question 3

What does Cervical Distraction test Assess for?

Answer 3

It assesses the Cervical nn roots by reliving pressure.

A positive test would be if the client’s Symptoms diminish or go away entirely.

Question 4

How would you perform a “First Rib Mobility” Test?

Answer 4

Client rot head fully away from affected side, then flex head to chest as far as possible.

Question 5

What is a positive result for “First Rib mobility”?

Answer 5

A positive result is when the client has limited Flexion to the chest.

Question 6

What does “Orbicularis Oris” test for?

Answer 6

It test / confirms Bell’s Palsy.

Question 7

What is Swallowing Test used for?

Answer 7

Assesses for the reason of Pain on swallowing, Maybe referred pain from a trigger point in a tight SCM.

Question 8

How is Swallowing Test performed?

Answer 8

Client seated, palpate the most painful part of the SCM and pincer grasp, then get the client to swallow.
If the pain goes away then the pain is caused by a tight SCM / Trigger point.

Question 9

What is Scalene Relief used for?

Answer 9

Used to assess for the presence of active trigger points in the anterior scalene.

Question 10

How is Scalene Relief performed?

Answer 10

Client puts forehead into Elbow pit as much as possible.

Question 11

What is Vertebral Artery test used for?

Answer 11

Used to assess for circulation deficiency of the vertebral artery at the transverse foramen.

Question 12

How would you perform a Vertebral artery test?

Answer 12

Client seated, Client rotates head fully to one side then ext the neck and hold for 30 sec.
Repeat the test on the other side of the neck.

Question 13

What is a positive result from a vertebral artery test?

Answer 13

A test is positive for ischemia or circulation deficiency of the vertebral artery.
If the client complains of feeling dizzy or involuntary movements of the eyes then this test is positive.

Question 14

What is Anterior Neck flexor AR test used to assess for?

Answer 14

Used to assess for the Strength of (SCM, anterior Scalenes, Suprahyoids / infrahyoids…).

Question 15

How would you perform a Anterior Neck flexor AR test?

Answer 15

Client Supine with arms abducted to 90* and elbows flexed and back of hands resting on the table.

Get client t o tuck chin and flex head off table.
first against gravity then against posterior directed resistance.

Question 16

What is a positive result for a Anterior Neck flexor AR test?

Answer 16

Depending on the mm grading based on if the client can hold the head flexed off the table first without resistance then with applied posterior resistance.

Question 17

What does a Anteriolateral neck flexor AR test assess for?

Answer 17

Used to assess for the (SCM & Scalene Mms) on one side at a time.

Question 18

How would you perform a Anteriolateral Neck flexor AR test?

Answer 18

Client supine with arms abducted to 90*, elbow flexed and back of hands on table.
Stabilize the should of the side to be tested,
and get client to Rot face away from side being tested.

instruct client to lift head into slight flexion.

Question 19

What is a positive result for a Anteriolateral Neck flexor AR test?

Answer 19

The result will be based on Mm grading.

If the client can hold the head against gravity / Resistance.

Question 20

What does a Posteriolateral neck flexor AR test assess for?

Answer 20

Used to assess for the strength of (Splenius Capitis, Splenius Cervicis, and Erector Spinae) on 1 Side.

Question 21

How would you perform a Posteriolateral neck flexor AR test?

Answer 21

Client prone with arms abducted 90* with elbow flexed and palms of the hand son the table.

Instruct the client to Ext neck, Rot head towards the side being tested.
holding against gravity / Applied anterior directed resistance.

Question 22

What is a positive result for a Posteriolateral neck flexor AR test?

Answer 22

Results are based on mm grading.

If the client can hold against gravity / Applied resistance.

Question 23

What does the 3 Knuckle test assess for?

Answer 23

Used to assess for the available Active Range of motion in depression of the mandible.

Question 24

How would you perform a 3 Knuckle Test?

Answer 24

Instruct client to open jaw and and insert as many of their own flexed fingers in as possible between the top and bottom teeth.

Question 25

What is a positive result of a 3 Knuckle test?

Answer 25

The test is positive for TMJ hypomobility if:

the client can only get 1 or no knuckles in between the teeth.

Question 26

What is a positive result for a Tempomadibular joint AF ROM test?

Answer 26

Signs of TMJ dysfunction are clicking, crepitus, Asymmetry of motion and pain.