Spurling's Test Special Test

What is it used for?

• Diagnosing Cervical Radiculopathy (compression of a nerve root in the neck).

How to Perform

• Position: Patient is seated comfortably.
• Action: Ask the patient to extend their neck (look up) and side-bend the head towards the painful side.
• Compression: Carefully apply a vertical downward pressure (approx. 7kg) on the top of the patient's head.

Interpretation of Results

• Positive Test: Reproduction of radiating pain or tingling traveling down the arm.
• Why: This position narrows the neural foramen (the tunnel the nerve exits through). If the nerve is already compressed, the added pressure reproduces the symptoms.

Diagnostic Accuracy

• Sensitivity: 50%
• Specificity: 86-93%

References

• Magee, D. J. Orthopedic Physical Assessment.