FORAMINAL

DISTRACTION TEST

• Test positioning

With the client seated, the therapist places one hand under the client's chin and the other hand around the occiput.

• Action

The therapist slowly distracts the client's head from the trunk while the client remains in a relaxed position.

• Positive finding

The finding is positive when existing complaints of pain decrease or disappear during the distraction.

This indicates that a nerve root compression may exist while the client sustains normal posture and/or positioning.

• Special considerations & comments

The distraction of the cervical area for the assessment of a nerve root impingement should not be performed on a client who has vertebral instability.

Any increase in pain may indicate muscular and/or ligamentous damage.

The therapist should perform the vertebral artery test as a screen prior to administering this special test.