Cervicogenic pain and OFP mechanisms, including:
- (1) synergistic functional relationships,
- (2) Convergence C1-4 and V,
- (3) Central sensitization with reduction of inhibitory capacity,
- (4) Referred pain,
- (5) Systemic conditions affecting both areas.
Cervical testing is divided in two, first group of tests is to identify radiculopathy and SHOULD NOT be performed without proper training:
- (1) Spurling - compression will decrease pain,
- (2)Distraction - bending away will decrease pain,
- (3) Valsalva - increases pain,
- (4) Upper limb tension - reproduces pain.
Second group of tests is to identify pain:
- (1) ROM - decreased for pain or hard end feel,
- (2) Palpation - to identify painful spots mainly in muscles,
- (3) Resistance tests - during movement is mostly related with joint pain, static is more related with muscle pain.
AAOP guidelines, 2013, chapter 9.