Test: Cervical Distraction - radicular

Video Link

Background/Purpose

The cervical spine can sometimes create compressive pressure on the cervical nerve roots. This can be a result of disc thinning associated with degeneration or disc herniation. An axial decompression on the cervical spine can relieve the pressure on these nerves.

Procedure

A subject with pain is seated on the table and the examiner places their hands under the subject's occiput and chin. A passing test is achieved if there is no change in symptoms. A failed test occurs if the the subject's symptoms are reduced with a distraction force on the spine. This should not be confused with the cervical distraction - strain test which would cause an increase in pain with distraction.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Examiner lifts head of subject and decreases pain or radicular symptoms.

Criteria

• Reduction of pain or radicular symptoms in cervical spine
• No increase in pain

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail