typical cervicals

Question 1

position of cervical quadrant (vertebral artery) test

Answer 1

patient’s head and neck in extension (off end of table), sidebend and rotate neck to the same side and hold for 30 seconds

Question 2

symptoms of pos cervical quadrant test

Answer 2

dizziness, nystagmus, abnormal sensations and/or altered mental status = vertebral arteries being compressed

Question 3

safety rules for HVLA

Answer 3

1. do not thrust if setup is uncomfortable
2. do not thrust if setup produces neurologic symptoms
3. localize barrier and maintain localization throughout the setup
4. if it does not feel right or the barrier feels rubbery rather than firm, do not thrust

Question 4

indications for HVLA

Answer 4

SD with firm, distinct barriers

Question 5

absolute contraindications for HVLA

Answer 5

1. lack of patient consent
2. absence of SD
3. rheumatoid arthritis

Question 6

motions of C2-C7

Answer 6

rotation and sidebending to same side, extension or flexion

Question 7

orientation of the superior facets

Answer 7

BUM: backward, upward, medial

Question 8

_________ are a unique adaptation of typical cervical vertebrae to allow for more stability during movement

Answer 8

uncinate processes

Question 9

typical cervical HVLA set up

Answer 9

rotation and sidebending to same side, extension (regardless of whether flexed or extended)

Question 10

final corrective force of typical cervical HVLA

Answer 10

quick anterior, superior thrust toward the patient’s eye from your 2nd MCP joint

Question 11

relative contraindications for HVLA

Answer 11

1. acute herniated nucleus pulposus
2. acute radiculopathy
3. acute whiplash/severe muscle spasm/strain/sprain
4. osteopenia/osteoporosis/osteoarthritis
5. spondylolisthesis
6. metabolic bone disease
7. hypermobility syndromes