Spurling's Test: How to Check for Cervical Radiculopathy

Spurling's Test, also known as the Foraminal Compression Test, is a highly specific orthopedic test used to diagnose cervical radiculopathy (nerve root compression) by narrowing the neural foramen.

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of Spurling's Test (Foraminal Compression Test) is to **evaluate for** Cervical Radiculopathy. It is designed to narrow the intervertebral foramen and compress the nerve root, provoking symptoms.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient is positioned in sitting.
2. The examiner asks the patient to extend their neck and rotate their head towards the affected (painful) side.
3. The examiner places their hands on top of the patient's head.
4. The examiner applies a careful, axial compressive force straight down through the head.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive test (indicating nerve compression) is:

• Reproduction of radicular pain (shooting, sharp pain, or paresthesia) radiating from the neck down into the arm or hand on the affected side.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is when no pain is produced, or pain is limited only to the neck (neck pain alone does not indicate a positive test for radiculopathy).