Cervical spine screening with AROM to check for radiculopathy

How to use AROM to screen for c-spine radiculopathy.
Test Procedure:
- Have pt. perform in standing: neck flexion, extension (with mouth open), side bend each direction, axial rotation each direction. Hold each position 10 seconds. Ask whether the position reproduced the symptoms they came in for after each position.
Positive results:
- One or more positions reproduce symptoms that they came in for or make them worse in UE
Negative Results:
- No change in sx
Implications of positive test result:
- A positive c-spine screen indicates that there may be nerve root impingement (radiculopathy) and the c-spine needs evaluation and treatment first, before treating distal issues.