SWALLOWING

TEST

• Testing for

To see if the cause of the pain when swallowing, is trigger points on the SCM.

• Test positioning

The client is seated.

The therapist stands next to the client.

• Action

The therapist asks the client to swallow.

• Positive finding

Increased pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) caused by anterior cervical spine obstructions, such as:

- Vertebral subluxations,

- Osteophyte protrusion,

- Soft tissue swelling, or

- Tumors

in the anterior cervical spine region is positive.

• Special considerations & comments

Be certain the client's head is neutral, as swallowing becomes more difficult with the neck extended.