Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Cervical Spine Active Range of Motion

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How to Perform

Ask the patient to move the neck to the full extent through flexion, extension, bilateral side bending, and bilateral rotation while you observe and compare sides. Note the range achieved in each direction, the smoothness of motion, and any pain, restriction, or reproduction of symptoms.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 3 findings

Cervical Radiculopathy

Reduced active cervical rotation toward the affected side (rotation <60°)
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpfulWide CI
Evidence:Moderate

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Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalNeckNeurological

Related Diagnoses

Cervical MyelopathyCervical RadiculopathyCervical Spondylosis

Related Chief Complaints

Arm NumbnessArm PainArm WeaknessBalance ProblemsBladder ProblemsDifficulty WalkingHand ClumsinessLeg WeaknessNeck PainNeck StiffnessNumbness in the HandsShooting Arm PainTingling in the Arm

References

  • Grondin F, Cook C, Hall T, Maillard O, Perdrix Y, Freppel S. An independent validation of a clinical prediction rule for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy with radicular pain. Braz J Phys Ther. 2026;30(3):101581. doi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2026.101581. PMID: 42070317.
  • Khare S, Seth D. Lhermitte's sign: the current status. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2015;18(2):154-156. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.150622. PMID: 26019410.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.