FORAMINAL DISTRACTION TEST

TEST POSITIONING

With the client seated, the therapist places one hand under the client's chin and the other hand around the occiput.

ACTION

The therapist slowly distracts the client's head from the trunk while the client remains in a relaxed position.

POSITIVE FINDING

The finding is positive when existing complaints of pain decrease or disappear during the distraction.

This indicates that a nerve root compression may exist while the client sustains normal posture and/or positioning.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/COMMENTS

The distraction of the cervical area for the assessment of a nerve root impingement should not be performed on a client who has vertebral instability.

Any increase in pain may indicate muscular and/or ligamentous damage.

The therapist should perform the vertebral artery test as a screen prior to administering this special test.