Understanding the Foraminal Compression Test (Spurling's Test) Assessment
To detect **Cervical Radiculopathy** caused by nerve root compression, usually due to **foraminal stenosis** (bone spurs) or a **disc herniation**.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting.
What happens?
The patient is asked to **laterally flex** (side-bend) and mildly **rotate** the head toward the side being tested. The examiner then applies a **gentle, vertical compression force** through the patient's head (pushing down).
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The reproduction of the patient's characteristic **radicular symptoms** (shooting pain, numbness, tingling) radiating down the arm/hand.
Helpful Tip:
The combination of movements maximally narrows the intervertebral foramen, compressing the nerve root. A highly specific test.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Cervical Spine Tests
Distraction Test (Cervical)
To relieve symptoms associated with **Cervical Radiculopathy** (nerve root compression) or **Facet Joint irritation**.
Jackson Compression Test (Vertical Compression)
To detect general **nerve root irritation** or **facet joint pathology** (less specific than Spurling's).
Lhermitte's Sign
To screen for **central nervous system pathology** such as **Multiple Sclerosis (MS)**, cervical myelopathy, or other spinal cord lesions.
Maximal Cervical Compression Test
To assess for general **cervical nerve root compression** and **facet joint irritation**.