Anatomy & Biomechanics
This joint provides 50% of all cervical rotation.
What is the atlanto‑axial (AA) joint?
Neck pain with numbness in the arm that improves with distraction suggests this condition.
What is cervical radiculopathy?
Special test that increases foraminal compression and reproduces radicular symptoms.
What is Spurling’s test?
This motion begins most cervical stabilization exercises.
What is the chin tuck?
According to PTA scope, when symptoms worsen unexpectedly, the PTA must do this.
What is communicate with the supervising PT?
This muscle group is targeted during cranio‑cervical flexion training.
What are the deep cervical flexors?
Age-related wear and tear leading to facet and disc degeneration.
What is cervical spondylosis?
Test that decreases radicular symptoms when positive.
What is the cervical distraction test?
These exercises target endurance before strength in cervical rehab.
What is low‑load DNF training?
PTA must do this first when beginning cervical exercises with a radiculopathy patient.
What is monitor symptom centralization/peripheralization?
Cervical motion coupling patterns occur in this direction for side-bending and rotation.
What is ipsilateral coupling?
This headache type originates from upper cervical dysfunction.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
Test that biases nerve tension involving shoulder abduction, wrist extension, and elbow extension.
Which nerve?
What is the Upper Limb Tension Test (ULTT)?
Median
Progression order recommended by Kisner & Colby: supported → ______ → functional.
What is upright/weight‑bearing?
A patient develops bilateral hand numbness during warm-up. The PTA should do this.
What is stop treatment and notify the PT immediately?
These postural muscles are often overactive in forward head posture and cervicogenic headaches.
What are the suboccipitals?
Condition often caused by MVA with tissue irritation and proprioceptive impairments.
What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)?
These symptoms—wide-based gait, hyperreflexia, and bilateral paresthesia—indicate what condition?
What is cervical myelopathy?
This thoracic movement improves cervical loading and posture.
What is thoracic extension?
Before progressing stabilization exercises, the PTA must ensure this motor control ability first.
What is deep cervical flexor activation?
Name the nerve root most associated with thumb paresthesia and weak wrist extension.
What is C6?
A vascular or neurologic entrapment that worsens with overhead work.
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
This upper cervical test screens for instability of the transverse ligament.
What is the Sharp‑Purser test?
This scapular muscle is a key stabilizer for reducing upper trapezius compensation.
What is the lower trapezius?
When a patient has osteoporosis, the PTA must not apply this mechanical intervention.
What is cervical traction?