Test: Cervical Palpation - Soft Tissue

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Background/Purpose

Assess the passive and contractile components of the cervical spine using manual palpation. It is important to identify the structures and characteristics of the structures. Some of the characteristics of palpation might include turgor, tension, temperature, tenderness, spasm, inflammation, swelling, rigidity, and flaccidity.

Procedure

Have the patient placed in a comfortable position - seated, supine or prone and palpate the tissues of the cervical spine. Work in superficial to deep progression.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Palpation of the cervical soft-tissues.

Criteria

• No tenderness
• No swelling
• No Hypertonicity or muscle spasm
• No masses or enlarged lymph nodes

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail