Clinical Pearls: Spine

Question 0

Cervical Flexion

Answer 0

Pain with cervical flexion
Position thoracic spine in extension
If pain persists, extend upper cervical spine then flex
If pain persists, mid/low cervical
If no pain, upper cervical

Question 1

Cervical Rotation

Answer 1

Pain with R rotation of cervical spine
Position thoracic spine in L rotation
Actively R rotate cervical spine
If pain, source is likely cervical spine
If no pain, source is likely thoracic spine

Question 2

Cervical Extension

Answer 2

Pain with cervical extension
Position thoracic spine in flexion
If pain persists, flex upper cervical spine
If pain persists, likely mid/low cervical
If no pain, likely upper cervical

Question 3

Cervical Sidebending

Answer 3

Pain with RSB
Position thoracic spine in LSB
If pain persists, LSB upper cervical
If pain persists, likely mid/lower cervical
If no pain, likely upper cervical

Question 4

Cervical Sidebending (muscle or joint)

Answer 4

Pain with RSB
Note ROM and pain
Passively elevate shoulders
If no pain, elevator scapulae source of pain, not facets