What physicial exam signs suggest cervical radiculopathy?


  • abduction test - patient places hand of symptomatic arm on head which reduces or eliminates symptoms

  • foraminal compression test (Spurling maneuver) - neck is passively bent toward the symptomatic side and the examiner applies pressure, approximately 7 kg, to the patient's head which reproduces symptoms

  • neck distraction test - patient is supine and the examiner, holding the chin and occiput, applies a gradual pulling force which reduces pain


Source

Carette S. et al. "Cervical Radiculopathy" NEJM. 28 July 2005.