Neck Orthopaedic Test: Cervical Distraction Test

The Cervical Distraction Test is a clinical maneuver used to evaluate the presence of cervical radiculopathy. The test involves gently pulling upward on the patient's head to distract the cervical spine and relieve pressure on the nerve roots. The procedure is usually performed with the patient lying down or sitting up, and involves the following steps:

1. The patient is positioned in a supine or seated position with the examiner standing behind them.
2. The examiner gently grasps the patient's occiput with both hands, placing the fingers underneath the patient's chin and the thumbs on top of the patient's head.
3. The examiner then applies gentle and gradual upward traction on the patient's head, taking care not to rotate or flex the neck.
4. The examiner maintains the traction for a few seconds, while asking the patient if they experience any changes in symptoms.
5. The examiner then releases the traction and allows the patient to rest for a moment.

During the cervical distraction test, the patient may experience a temporary relief of symptoms, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, in the affected arm. A positive test result suggests that the patient may have cervical radiculopathy due to compression of the nerve roots in the cervical spine.

References:

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3. Rushton A, Rivett D, Carlesso L, et al. International framework for examination of the cervical region for potential of cervical arterial dysfunction prior to orthopaedic manual therapy intervention. Man Ther. 2014;19(3):222-228. doi:10.1016/j.math.2014.02.008
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