Cervical Compression Test

Cervical compression test is one of chiropractic's most basic tests.

Enjoy the video; it's great fun.

So, how is the procedure done?

With the patient seated, the examiner gently applies axial, downward pressure on her head. First, do no harm, was Hippocrates' admonition; done too enthusiastically any orthopaedic test can worsen the condition.


Cervical compression test

Chiropractic Books: Vizniak's Physical Assessment

THE C. Maximal Compression Tests 

The patient's head is... with gentle axial compression

  1. Rotated, first left and then right
  2. Laterally flexed, left and right
  3. Slightly extended.
  4. Rotation, extension + lateral flexion to the same side (Kemp's test)

Truly astonishing display of the Compression Test aka SWAN LAKE. Watch to the end!


INTERPRETATION

  • Increased Peripheral pain > Increased pressure on nerve roots (IVF encroachment, radiculopathy).
  • Increased local pain > Joint damage, facet lock, meniscoid entrapment.
  • Increased tingling or pain in the arm with the compression + Kemp's test is pathognomic of a nerve root impingement syndrome.


Whiplash and the joints of Luschka as well as facet syndromes and disc injuries should be considered. Why you should always consult a chiropractor after a motor vehicle or diving accident.


Clinical Notes 

With radicular symptoms, further evaluation is warranted; a detailed neurological examination and diagnostic imaging.


From the coalface

Arm pain

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

"Doc, I have terrible pain in my arm?"

"When did it start, Mr Vermeulen."

"After we went to the Pink Pop concert."

"Did anything unusual happen?"

"I can't think of anything. It was quite a long and tiring day. The kids found it boring."

"How old are they? You didn't carry one of them on your shoulders by any chance?"

How bad is my arm pain?

The ache in the upper extremity is often severe, disturbing sleep. Unlike the leg, you often can't find a comfortable position. Patients may think they must be hypochondriacs. Almost certainly, they are not but the arm pain quickdash test found lower down gives you a pretty objective measure of how severe your condition is.



One possible mechanism explaining the radiating arm after carrying a child on your neck shoulders is the thoracic outlet syndrome.

An aching, painful arm is a frequent complaint heard at the chiropractic coalface. Sometimes it is caused by a compromise of the subclavian artery and brachial plexus as they emerge from the thorax. Passing through the interscalene triangle, a scalene spasm or fixated first rib or fibrosis from an old fracture of the first rib or clavicle the vascular and neurologicasl structures may be compromised; a cervical rib too may be the spoke in the wheel, remembering that a large part of it may be cartilage and unseen on an xray. 

NECK ARM PAIN

To reiterate, with any of the tingling, nerve-type pain syndromes of the arm, like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for example, a thorough work of the cervical spine and first rib is mandatory. Neck and arm pain is so common at the Chiropractic Coalface, and the root of many tennis arm, rotator cuff and frozen shoulder type syndromes is very frequently in the cervical spine.


CHIROPRACTIC MAINTENANCE CARE

Like all chronic medical conditions, no one is able to cure chronic neck pain. Research shows once you've had neck pain for six months, you'll almost certainly have it for the rest of your life. Neck pain for four months? Do something now, or it's for ever.

Neck pain for more than six months? Chiropractors agree that chronic neck pain is best managed with an occasional, but regular, treatment.




LINKS @ CERVICAL COMPRESSION TEST

Does raising your arm bring relief? The SHOULDER ABDUCTION RELIEF sign.


Physical Therapists providing a Chiropractic adjustment?

Many insurance companies now only pay for physical therapists to provide a chiropractic adjustment; that's in the face of powerful research proving that inclusion of DCs to perform their own technique would save them a good deal of money. One has to conclude that political medicine has gone off on another tack to contain our profession.



It's being successful with some doctors of chiropractic quitting. Others become involved in some dodgy practices, like demanding that patients sign up for a whole year of treatment in advance, in order to stay in business.

In recessionary times, the going is tough when the insurance won't pay.

Is the day approaching for a new Wilk versus the AMA and the insurance companies?

The chiropractic profession has tried hard to stay on the moral high ground; those who stoop to unscrupulous practices need to be exposed and disciplined if we are not to stoop to the low blows that medicine has often resorted to contain and eliminate us.


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