Special tests - Neck

Question 1

What is the foraminal compression test?

Answer 1

• Used to assess the function of the cervical spine and intervertebral discs
• If there is a pathology, there will be an increase in the radicular signs and symptoms along the specific root or dermatome

Question 2

What is a positive foraminal compression test?

Answer 2

• Pain in the shoulder girdle may indicate a facet joint problem.
• Neck pain may only indicate muscle spasm.

Question 3

What is the jacksons test?

Answer 3

• Modified version of the Foraminal compression
• If there is a pathology, there will be an increase in the radicular signs and symptoms along specific nerve root or dermatome

Question 4

What is a positive jacksons test?

Answer 4

• Pain in the shoulder girdle may indicate a facet joint problem. Neck pain may only indicate muscle spasm

Question 5

What is the spurlings test?

Answer 5

• Modified version of the Foraminal compression test
• This test is more specific to the lower cervical vertebrae. This test compresses the discs and facet joints on the side of rotation

Question 6

What is a positive spurlings test?

Answer 6

• Pain in the shoulder girdle may indicate a facet joint problem.
• Neck pain may only indicate a muscle spasm

Question 7

What is the distraction test?

Answer 7

• This test assesses the impingement for probable intervertebral disc pathology

Question 8

What is a positive distraction test?

Answer 8

• A positive test is the reduction of radiculopathy signs due to the decrease of pressure on the nerve root
• Radiculopathy signs are a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column

Question 9

What’s is Bakody’s sign?

Answer 9

• To test for radicular symptoms, especially those involving the C4 or C5 nerve roots

Question 10

What is a positive bakodys sign?

Answer 10

• Positive = a decrease in or relief of neurological symptoms indicates a cervical extradural compression (herniated disc, nerve root C4-C6)
• Relief of pain at these levels is due to a decrease in tension of the nerve and lower nerve roots with the shoulder in the abducted position
• Increase pain = pressure increasing in interscalene triangle or costoclavicular region under the pec minor (Thoracic outlet syndrome)

Question 11

What is the brachial plexus test?

Answer 11

Directions:
* Sitting patient abducts the arms and laterally rotates the arms until symptoms are felt, the patient then lowers the arms till the symptoms disappear
* The examiner holds the patients arms in the position
* While the shoulders are held in position, the patient flexes the elbows and places the hands behind the head

Question 12

What is a positive brachial plexus test?

Answer 12

• A positive test is indicated by return of symptoms