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Measuring Range of Motion

Many of us use range-of-motion (ROM) testing as part of our initial patient work up. These tests are designed to determine whether certain areas (such as the neck, lower back, shoulder, etc.) fall within “normal” range-of-motion parameters.

There are several cervical (neck) range-of-motion exercises that a patient may be asked to perform. These are used to assess muscle performance that may affect the ways in which nerves function in specific areas of the body.

The most often used cervical range-of-motion tests include:

• Cervical Rotation Test – Patient rotates head to one side, and then to the other, to determine whether degree of rotation is within normal limits.

• Cervical Lateral Flexion Test – Patient tries to touch their ear to their shoulder on each side. If the patient can’t touch, the doctor measures the distance from the ear lobe to the shoulder.

• Cervical Flexion Test – Patient attempts to touch their chest with their chin. If the patient can’t touch, the doctor measures the distance from the chin to the chest.

• Cervical Extension Test – With their mouth closed and teeth touching, patient extends their neck to their back and looks straight up at the ceiling. The patient’s eyes and ears should be vertically aligned and the patient should be able to perform this test without scrunching their back up to meet their head.

The results of these tests can help determine areas in the cervical spine that require adjustment so that muscles and nerves can function correctly. Any restrictions discovered in this testing usually let us know what muscles are being affected and the condition the patient might be experiencing as a result.