Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Spurling Test

also known as Foraminal compression test
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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient seated, extend, laterally bend, and slightly rotate the neck toward the symptomatic side, then apply gentle downward (axial) pressure on the top of the head. A positive test is reproduction of radiating pain or paresthesia down that arm.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 3 findings

Cervical Disc Herniation

Spurling test positive
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Very helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Thoomes EJ, Arvanitidis M, van Geest S, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination tests for painful cervical radiculopathy: update of a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026;27(1):338. doi:10.1186/s12891-026-09551-0. PMID 41680685. PMC13088722.
  • Shah KC, Rajshekhar V. Reliability of diagnosis of soft cervical disc prolapse using Spurling's test. Br J Neurosurg. 2004;18(5):480-483. doi:10.1080/02688690400012350. PMID: 15799149.
  • Spurling RG, Scoville WB. Lateral rupture of the cervical intervertebral discs. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1944;78:350-358.

Research last updated September 9, 2026.

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalNeckNeurological

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🎬Video coming Sept 2026
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