Physiotherapeutic diagnostics in physiotherapy | Physiotherapy – exercises for the cervical spine

Physiotherapeutic diagnostics in physiotherapy

In the physiotherapeutic examination of the cervical spine (cervical spine), the so-called “safety tests” in physiotherapy are always carried out first to ensure that important stabilizing ligaments are intact and that the brain supply by the A. vertebralis is not disturbed. In order to test the artery in physiotherapeutic diagnostics in physiotherapy, the head is turned to one side as far as possible and placed slightly in the neck (both sides must be tested). The patient is asked to count up to 10 out loud.

In this position the artery is compressed, but with normal supply it should allow enough blood to enter the brain despite compression. If the blood supply is disturbed, speech disorders, visual disturbances, drowsiness or nausea may occur during the test. In this case the treatment should be stopped and the patient should go to the doctor.

The second cervical spine (cervical spine) safety test tests the ligamenti (ligaments) alaria. For this, the physiotherapist palpates the spinous process of the second cervical vertebra and tilts the patient’s head to the side with the other hand. The spinous process should rotate to the opposite side during movement.If it does not move, there may be a blockage in the cervical spine.

The last safety test in physiotherapeutic diagnostics in physiotherapy tests the ligamentum (band) transversum atlantis, i.e. a band around the first cervical vertebra. For this purpose, the spinous process of the second cervical vertebral body is palpated again. The head is fixed by the physiotherapist and the spinous process is gently pushed forward.

If the ligament is intact, nothing should move here (cervical spine). If the tests are negative, the active and passive examination of all movements of the cervical spine (extension, flexion, rotation, lateral inclination) can be performed in the physiotherapeutic diagnostics of physiotherapy. The movement of the individual vertebral bodies against each other is also tested using manual techniques.

During the entire examination, attention is paid to movement restrictions, too much movement and painful movements. Finally, the surrounding muscles of the cervical spine (cervical spine) are tested for length and strength. If the nerves are also affected, there are various examinations that test the conductivity and can differentiate the individual nerves (ULNTs).

The reflexes should also be tested in this case as well as the ability to perceive different stimuli (warm, cold, sharp, blunt). The articles might be of interest to you.

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