Spurling's test
Encyclopedia
Spurling's test is a very specific, but not sensitive physical examination maneuver in diagnosing cervical spondylosis or acute cervical (neck) radiculopathy
. It is a variant of foraminal compression test (cervical compression test).
Patients with a cervical radiculopathy (compression of a nerve ‘root’ in the neck) can present with a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness and weakness. Many other disorders can produce similar symptoms. In addition to the clinical history, the neurological examination may show signs suggesting a cervical radiculopathy.
One such sign, ‘Spurling’s test’ is the reproduction of the patient's nerve symptoms by movements of the neck. It is performed by extending the neck, rotating the head, and then applying downward pressure on the head. The test is positive when the pain arising in the neck radiates in the direction of the corresponding dermatome.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is not a specific condition, but rather a description of a problem in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly . The emphasis is on the nerve root...
. It is a variant of foraminal compression test (cervical compression test).
Patients with a cervical radiculopathy (compression of a nerve ‘root’ in the neck) can present with a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness and weakness. Many other disorders can produce similar symptoms. In addition to the clinical history, the neurological examination may show signs suggesting a cervical radiculopathy.
One such sign, ‘Spurling’s test’ is the reproduction of the patient's nerve symptoms by movements of the neck. It is performed by extending the neck, rotating the head, and then applying downward pressure on the head. The test is positive when the pain arising in the neck radiates in the direction of the corresponding dermatome.