Evidence-Based Examination of the Cervical Spine: An Update

Presented by Chad Cook

12-Month Subscription

Unlimited access to:

  • Thousands of CE Courses
  • Patient Education
  • Home Exercise Program
  • And more
Video Runtime: 90 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 62 Minutes

In this course, users will evaluate the impact and prevalence of cervical dysfunction, understand the imperative patient history elements of a neck examination, and identify which patient history components are affiliated with cervical pathology. The most common forms of self-reported outcome measures for the neck are presented and discussed. Viewers will also identify the most prevalent red flags germane to the cervical spine examination and differentiate the purposes of each diagnostic test for sinister problems. An objective is to synthesize the importance of specific, meaningful clinical findings during the examination process and evaluate the benefit of palpation and manual muscle testing as part of a dedicated clinical examination. Lastly, viewers will identify the most diagnostic cervical-spine-oriented special tests and apply the tests to the appropriate diagnoses. Current research is presented throughout the course to provide learners with the proper tools for evidence-based management of these patients. This course is part of a comprehensive clinical series covering examination and intervention for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, as well as the upper (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand) and lower (hip, pelvis, knee, foot, and ankle) quarters.

Meet your instructor

Chad Cook

Dr. Cook is a professor at Duke University with a Category A appointment in the Duke Clinical Research Institute and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Population Health Sciences. He is a clinical researcher, physical therapist, and profession advocate with a long history of clinical care excellence and service and…

Read full bio

Chapters & learning objectives

Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Prevalence and Economic Impact

1. Cervical Spine Dysfunction: Prevalence and Economic Impact

In this chapter, learners will evaluate the economic impact of cervical dysfunction and consider the prevalence/incidence of cervical pain and how this influences clinical practice. The overall burden of cervical pain is discussed in comparison to other musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal conditions worldwide.

Patient History and Outcomes Measures

2. Patient History and Outcomes Measures

In this chapter, learners will discuss the imperative patient history elements of a neck examination and define which patient history components are affiliated with cervical pathology. Learners will also discuss the most common forms of self-reported patient outcome measures as well as their validity.

Observation

3. Observation

In this chapter, learners will identify the link between observation of posture and neck pain or dysfunction. Learners will also identify benefits of general observation of a patient’s expression of fear, anxiety, or distress.

Triage and Screening

4. Triage and Screening

In this chapter learners will identify the most prevalent red flags, germane during the cervical spine examination. The chapter will compare and contrast the purposes of each diagnostic test for sinister problems. Learners will also analyze the “triggers” that would prompt the use of a test for ruling out a condition and evaluate the benefit of performing these “ruling out” actions first within the examination. Lastly, learners will understand structural differentiation.

The Movement Examination

5. The Movement Examination

This chapter will synthesize the importance of the movement assessment and will contrast the goals of the three primary phases of the initial examination.

Palpation, Muscle Endurance, and Physical Performance Measures

6. Palpation, Muscle Endurance, and Physical Performance Measures

This chapter will evaluate the benefit of palpation as part of a dedicated clinical examination. Learners will also evaluate the benefit and types of manual muscle testing for the cervical spine.

Confirmation-Based Special Tests

7. Confirmation-Based Special Tests

In this chapter, learners will understand the language of diagnostic accuracy and will identify the most diagnostic cervical-oriented special tests. The purpose of the chapter is to apply the tests to the appropriate diagnoses for better patient management.

More courses in this series

Crucial Factors Influencing Health & Recovery in Musculoskeletal Care

Crucial Factors Influencing Health & Recovery in Musculoskeletal Care

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Examination of the Cervical Spine: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Cervical Spine: An Update

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Cervical Spine: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Cervical Spine: An Update

Chad Cook

Cervical Spine Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Cervical Spine Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Examination of the Thoracic Spine: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Thoracic Spine: An Update

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Thoracic Spine: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Thoracic Spine: An Update

Chad Cook

Thoracic Spine Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Thoracic Spine Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Examination of the Lumbar Spine: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Lumbar Spine: An Update

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Lumbar Spine: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Lumbar Spine: An Update

Chad Cook

Lumbar Spine Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Lumbar Spine Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Examination of the Elbow, Wrist, and Hand: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Elbow, Wrist, and Hand: An Update

Chad Cook

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Elbow, Wrist, and Hand: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Elbow, Wrist, and Hand: An Update

Chad Cook

Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Chad Cook

A Primer on Exercise and Treatment Prescription

A Primer on Exercise and Treatment Prescription

Alexis Wright

Evidence-Based Examination of the Hip: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Hip: An Update

Alexis Wright

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Hip: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Hip: An Update

Alexis Wright

Hip Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Hip Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Alexis Wright

Evidence-Based Examination of the Foot and Ankle: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Foot and Ankle: An Update

Alexis Wright

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Foot and Ankle: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Foot and Ankle: An Update

Alexis Wright

Foot and Ankle Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Foot and Ankle Examination and Treatment: Cases to Synthesize Learning

Alexis Wright

Evidence-Based Examination of the SIJ/Pelvis

Evidence-Based Examination of the SIJ/Pelvis

Alexis Wright

Evidence-Based Treatment of the SIJ/Pelvis

Evidence-Based Treatment of the SIJ/Pelvis

Alexis Wright

A Primer on Examination and Treatment Metrics

A Primer on Examination and Treatment Metrics

Eric Hegedus

Evidence-Based Examination of the Shoulder: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Shoulder: An Update

Eric Hegedus

Special Tests of the Shoulder

Special Tests of the Shoulder

Eric Hegedus

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Shoulder: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Shoulder: An Update

Eric Hegedus

Management of the Shoulder: Case-Based Vignettes

Management of the Shoulder: Case-Based Vignettes

Eric Hegedus

Evidence-Based Examination of the Knee and Thigh: An Update

Evidence-Based Examination of the Knee and Thigh: An Update

Eric Hegedus

Special Tests of the Knee

Special Tests of the Knee

Eric Hegedus

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Knee and Thigh: An Update

Evidence-Based Treatment of the Knee and Thigh: An Update

Eric Hegedus

Management of the Knee and Thigh: Case-Based Vignettes

Management of the Knee and Thigh: Case-Based Vignettes

Eric Hegedus