Spine Special Tests

Question 1

Cervical flexion rotation test

Answer 1

Cervicogenic headache
supine, fully flex pts neck and rotate in each direction while maintaining flexion. Pt should have 45 degrees rotation in each direction

Question 2

Distraction test

Answer 2

Radicular symptoms

sitting, lift head - positive if pain is decreased

Question 3

Spurling’s (foraminal compression test)

Answer 3

Radicular symptoms
downward force on laterally flexed (quadrant) head
Positive = radiating symptoms into the arm toward the flexed side

Question 4

Vertebral Artery Test

Answer 4

Vertebral artery compression
supine, head in extension, lateral flexion, and rotation to the ipsilateral side.
Positive = dizziness, nystagmus, slurred speech, loss of consciousness

Question 5

Gapping test

Answer 5

Anterior sacroiliac ligament sprain
supine, push on bilateral ASIS laterally.
Positive = pain at SI joint or posterior leg

Question 6

SI joint stress test

Answer 6

SI joint dysfunction
supine, push on bilateral ASIS laterally
Positive = pain in SI joint or glute area

Question 7

Sitting flexion test

Answer 7

sitting with feet on the floor, patient bends forward at the hips toward the floor. PT monitors movement of the PSIS - indicative of articular restriction

Question 8

Slump Test

Answer 8

Neural tension

Question 9

Standing flexion test

Answer 9

standing with feet 12 inches apart, patient bends forward with knees extended and PT monitors movement of PSIS. - indicative of articular restriction

Question 10

Straight Leg Raise test

Answer 10

Neural Tension or Disc Herniation
supine, flex patients hip while maintaining knee extension and medial rotation until pain in leg or low back is felt.
Positive = Neck flexion or ankle DF increase pain