Cervical Distraction Test

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Purpose

Technique

  • Patient positioned in supine
  • Clinician is standing at the head of the patient
  • Place one hand around the occiput (lumbrical grip)
  • Using the other hand, the clinician wraps the hand gently around the patient’s head
  • Apply a traction force

Grading

This test is graded by assessing the patient’s symptoms

  • Negative test: Same/increased symptoms
  • Positive test: Reduced symptoms

Validity

Validity
Value Note
Specificity High
Sensitivity Low

References

1.
Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

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