Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Cervical Spine Active Range of Motion

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Ask the patient to move the neck actively through its ranges while you observe and compare sides: flexion (chin to chest), extension (look up), lateral flexion (ear toward each shoulder), and rotation (chin toward each shoulder). Note the range achieved in each direction, the smoothness of motion, and any pain, restriction, or reproduction of symptoms.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Cervical Radiculopathy

Reduced active cervical rotation toward the affected side (rotation <60°)
Rule in
Minimally helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Wainner RS, Fritz JM, Irrgang JJ, Boninger ML, Delitto A, Allison S. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination and patient self-report measures for cervical radiculopathy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003 Jan 1;28(1):52-62. doi:10.1097/00007632-200301010-00014. PMID 12544957.
  • 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.

Related Diagnoses

Cervical Radiculopathy

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalNeck

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Spurling Test
aka Foraminal compression test
Rule in:IECervical Disc Herniation, IECervical Foraminal Stenosis, IECervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:IECervical Disc Herniation, IECervical Foraminal Stenosis, IECervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, HUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, SHC5-C6 Radiculopathy +3 more
Rule out:SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, MHPeripheral Neuropathy, IEC5 Myelopathy +1 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Brachioradialis Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Supinator jerk
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IEC5 or C6 Cervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IEC5 or C6 Cervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Triceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Triceps jerk
Rule in:SHC7 Cervical Radiculopathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
C Spine and Neck Palpation
Rule in:IECervical Spine Injury, IEMalignant Cervical Lymphadenopathy (Metastasis or Lymphoma), IEMediastinal Shift (Tension Pneumothorax or Large Pleural Effusion)
Rule out:IECervical Spine Injury, IEMalignant Cervical Lymphadenopathy (Metastasis or Lymphoma), IEMediastinal Shift (Tension Pneumothorax or Large Pleural Effusion)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Carotid Artery Palpation
Rule in:HAortic Stenosis, HTakayasu Arteritis, SHAortic Dissection +7 more
Rule out:SHAortic Stenosis, IEAortic Regurgitation, IECarotid Artery Stenosis +5 more