BACKGROUND/ANATOMY
The cervical spine consists of upper and lower divisions. These two separate complexes make up multiple different joint articulations. Starting with the upper cervical region, the occiput of the skull and the first cervical vertebra create the atlanto-occipital joint (C0-C1), and the first and second cervical vertebrae form the atlanto-axial joint complex (C1-C2).1 At these joints, the principle motions are flexion/extension and rotation.2 According to Magee, the atlanto-axial articulation is the most mobile region of the entire spinal column.2 Restrictions for movement in the upper cervical spine include the bony contours of the joints, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, ligamentum flavum, alar ligaments, transverse ligament, and surrounding musculature. One important aspect of the upper cervical spine is the stability provided by the transverse ligament of the atlas. This structure prevents the anterior translation of the axis on the atlas by holding the dens of C2 against the anterior arch of C1.2 Additionally, the alar ligaments add to the majority of the stability at C1-C2. These ligaments offer the most stability during rotational movements and help to limit flexion. The lower division consists of the remaining vertebra of the cervical spine (C3-C7). In the lower cervical spine, flexion and extension occur independently. Due to the shape of the apophyseal joints, lateral flexion and rotation must occur through coupled movement patterns.
OBJECTIVE EXAMINATION
Postural Examination –
1. Anterior view - Shoulders should appear symmetrical at the acromion processes of the scapula and chin should be in line with the sternum.
2. Sagittal view - The ears should be in line with the shoulder, forehead should be vertical, and assess for normal lordotic curvature.
3. Posterior view -Notice any asymmetry. It is necessary to analyze the patient for any abnormalities in the thoracic and/or lumbar region as well.
4. Note any muscle asymmetry
Active Physiological Movements - General Cervical Motion (with normal ROM values)1
Lower Cervical Motion (performed in sitting)
1. Flexion; flexion with OP (350)
- Have patient bring chin to chest and bring back to normal. Ask if patient experiences any symptoms. To apply over-pressure, have patient repeat motion and the therapist places hand on back of head while bracing cervico-thoracic junction.
2. Extension; extension with OP (600)
- Have patient look up towards ceiling and then return back to normal. Ask if patient experiences any symptoms. To apply over-pressure, have patient repeat motion and the therapist places hand on chin and back of head.
3. Lateral Flexion; lateral flexion with OP (40o)
- Have patient bring ear towards shoulder and return to normal. Ask if patient experiences any symptoms. To apply over-pressure, brace the shoulder at the contralateral side of lateral flexion. Perform bilaterally.
4. Rotation; rotation with OP (35o)
- Have patient turn head towards shoulder and return to normal. Ask if patient experiences any symptoms. To apply over-pressure place one forearm on upper back with hand on same side of face. Other hand is placed on contralateral side of face. Perform bilaterally.
5. Quadrant; quadrant with OP
- Patient is brought into cervical extension, the head is rotated and laterally flexed to the same side. Over-pressure is placed with both hands on both sides of head with force pushing into extension, rotation and lateral flexion.
Upper Cervical Motion (performed in sitting)
1. Flexion; flexion with OP (10o)
- Patient is asked to tuck chin in towards neck. Ask patient if they experience symptoms. Over-pressure is performed with one hand on superior aspect of posterior skull with the other hand on the chin.
2. Extension; extension with OP (20o)
- Ask patient to slump forward and stick chin forward. Ask patient if they experience symptoms. Over-pressure is performed with one hand on superior aspect of posterior skull with the other hand on the chin.
3. Lateral Flexion; lateral flexion with OP (5o)
- This is a passive motion only. The therapist places the ulnar border of hand over transverse process of C2 while laterally flexing with opposite hand.
4. Rotation; rotation with OP (40o)
- Not necessary to perform.
5. Quadrant; quadrant with OP
- Ask patient to slump forward and stick chin forward. With hands in similar position as extension, maintain extension OP while rotating and side bending.
GROSS MOTOR TESTING - Cervical Spine
1. Flexion/extension
2. Lateral flexion
3. Rotation
CLEARING JOINTS2
1. Shoulder – Elevation through abduction and forward flexion.
2. Elbow (patient supine) – Flexion/extension, supination/pronation. Be sure to apply over-pressure after patient goes through available range.
3. Wrist – Flexion/extension and grip strength. Use over-pressure at end range.
NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION
1. Myotomes
- C1-C2 - Neck Flexion

- C3 - Neck lateral flexion

- C4 - Shoulder elevation

- C5 - Shoulder abduction

- C6 - Elbow flexion

- C7 - Elbow extension

- C8 - Thumb extension

- T1 - Abduction/adduction intrinsics

2. Dermatomes
http://www.backpain-guide.com/Chapter_Fig_folders/Ch06_Path_Folder/Ch06_Images/06-4%20Radiculopathy.jpg
The therapist may use a semi-sharp object to dot along the dermatomal path. Compare bilaterally.
- C4 - Lateral neck
- C5 - Radial aspect of forearm
- C6 - Thumb
- C7 - Index and middle finger
- C8 - Ulnar border of hand
- T1 - medial forearm
- T2 - medial upper arm
3. Reflexes
- C5 – Biceps tendon tap

- C7 – Triceps tendon tap

4. Cranial Nerve Testing (refer to TMJ link)
Cranial Nerve Test
PALPATION
1. Soft tissue exam for inflammation (heat, redness, edema, spasm).
2. Assess pain, tenderness, symmetry, and mobility of:
- Spinous processes
- Transverse processes
- Occiput
- Articular pillars
- Surrounding soft tissue
3. Mobilizations – Unilateral, central, longitudinal, rotational, and transverse
SPECIAL TESTS
1. VBI


Note: Only two portions of the VBI test are depicted here. It is important that the therapist also assess VBI with a bilateral cervical rotation component while sitting and individual cervical extension and rotation components in supine. The patient should also be asked if they are experiencing dizziness while performing any of the movements. Additionally, in order to rule out a false positive during the cervical rotation component of the VBI, stabilize the patients head while having them rotate his or her body in sitting. If the patient does not experience symptoms during this component but experiences them during the true cervical rotation, it is most likely the patient's symptoms are arising from a vestibular issue rather than VBI. Positive signs in inlude2:
- Dizziness
- Dysphagia
- Drop Attacks
- Nystagmus
- Dysarthria
2. Upper Limb Tension Tests
- ULTT #1 (with Median N. Bias)
- ULTT #2a (Median N. Bias)
- ULTT #2b (Radial N. Bias)
- ULTT #3 (Ulnar N. Bias)
3. Alar ligament
4. Transverse ligament
References
1. Neuman AD. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. Missouri: Saunders Elsevier; 2010.
2. Magee DJ. Orthopedic physical assessment. Missouri: Saunders Elsevier; 2008.