Video 4 Spurling test

The purpose of further examinations is to rule out the origin of the cervical spine. 

Spurling test – to examine radiculopathy 

Standing behind the seated patient, the treating physician moves the head into extension, lateral bending, and contralateral rotation, and then applies axial pressure to the cervical spine. The goal is to create cervical nerve root compression. 

The test is positive when symptoms appear: 

– occurrence of local pain, e.g. arthritis, degenerative processes

– radiating pain in the direction of the upper limb, e.g. nerve root involvement