Spurling’s Test

Spurling's tests are a series of maneuvers to diagnose cervical spine conditions. Learn more about their purpose, procedure, and interpretation.

By Bernard Ramirez on Mar 06, 2024.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

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What is a Spurling's Test?

Medical experts utilize as a physical examination technique to identify cervical spine disorders. The patient's neck is rotated, extended, and laterally flexed while pressure is applied to the top of the head to compress the cervical spine. The examination bears Dr. Allen Spurling's name, who created it.

Spurling's test is mainly used to detect nerve root compression in the cervical spine. Numerous disorders, including ruptured discs, bone spurs, and degenerative disc degeneration, might contribute to this compression. Neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, and paralysis can result from cervical spine compression.

During Spurling's test, the patient is seated or lying down, and the examiner carefully rotates and extends the patient's neck while applying downward pressure to the top of the head. The examiner will also perform lateral neck flexion on the side of the suspected compression while using the same pressure. The nerve root is compressed if pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness is reproduced during the maneuver.

It is essential to note that a positive Spurling's test alone is not enough to diagnose a cervical spine condition. Further imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Printable Spurling’s Test

Download this Spurling’s Test to diagnose cervical spine conditions.

How does this printable Spurling's Test work?

The printable Spurling's test is a tool healthcare providers use to document the results of the physical examination maneuver. It is a straightforward and easy-to-use template that can be printed and used during a patient encounter. 

Here are the steps involved in using/filling out the template:

Print the template:

You can download and print Spurling's test template on numerous websites. It should be prepared for usage during the patient interaction once printed.

Patient information: 

The template often includes fields for patient data, such as name, date of birth, and medical record number. Before starting the examination, fill out this form with the patient.

Perform the test:

Observe the steps required to do Spurling's test. Apply pressure to the top of the patient's head while slowly rotating, extending, and laterally flexing the neck. Keep track of any discomfort, tingling, numbness, or weakness that occurs during the maneuver.

Interpretation: 

Once the test is completed, record the interpretation of the results. Indicate whether the test was positive or negative, and note any other relevant findings.

Plan of care: 

Based on test results, develop a care plan for the patient. This may include further diagnostic studies, imaging, or referral to a specialist.

Documentation: 

Spurling's test template should be finished, signed, and dated before filing in the patient's medical file. For future reference, it is crucial to precisely and legibly record the results.

Scoring

The Spurling test is a physical examination maneuver rather than a formal one. Hence there is no set scoring system for it. The examiner's clinical judgment and observation are used to interpret the findings.

If the patient feels pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness during the test and it is replicated during the maneuver, the nerve root is crushed. This is often regarded as a favorable finding and may point to a cervical spine issue.

Remembering that a positive Spurling's test alone cannot determine whether a cervical spine disease exists is significant. The outcomes must be evaluated in light of further clinical findings, including the patient's medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests.

Spurling's Test example (sample)

A Spurling's test template typically includes fields for patient information, such as name, date of birth, and medical record number, as well as space to record the test results. The template may include the following information:

  • Patient information
  • Test information
  • Test results
  • Interpretation
  • Signature and date

Spurling's test templates may come in a variety of formats. Still, they all generally offer a structured and organized manner to record test results, helping medical professionals make a precise diagnosis and create a helpful treatment plan.

Download this Spurling’s Test Example (Sample) here:

Spurling's Test example (sample)

When to use these Spurling's assessments?

Spurling's assessment is a diagnostic test healthcare providers use to identify nerve root compression in the cervical spine. The test is typically used in patients with symptoms of cervical radiculopathies, such as neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, or weakness. 

Here are some situations where Spurling's assessment may be appropriate:

Suspected cervical radiculopathy: 

When a patient exhibits cervical radiculopathy symptoms such as neck discomfort, shoulder pain, arm pain, or weakness, Spurling's examination is frequently performed. The medical professional may use Spurling's test to confirm the diagnosis if they suspect the patient has this illness.

History of cervical spine injury:

The healthcare professional may use Spurling's test if the patient has a history of cervical spine damage, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, to determine the severity of nerve root compression and the best course of action.

Unexplained neck or arm pain: 

The healthcare professional may utilize Spurling's test to rule out or confirm cervical spine problems as the underlying reason if the patient complains of unexplained neck or arm pain.

Post-surgical evaluation: 

The medical professional may use Spurling's test to evaluate the patient's nerve root function following cervical spine surgery and identify any remaining nerve root compression that necessitates additional care.

Follow-up evaluation: 

The Spurling's test may be used by the healthcare professional during follow-up exams on patients who have already been diagnosed with cervical spine disorders to track the disease's development and modify the treatment strategy as necessary.

Benefits of these free Spurling's Test Templates

Benefits of using Spurling's Test Templates:

Standardization: 

The Spurling's exam template offers standardized methods for carrying out the exam, guaranteeing uniform and trustworthy outcomes among healthcare practitioners.

Organization: 

The template gives the test results documentation an organized framework, making it simple for other healthcare professionals engaged in the patient's care to review and communicate the data.

Time-saving: 

The template can save healthcare providers time by offering a pre-formatted document that can be swiftly filled out during patient evaluations.

Improved accuracy: 

By following a standardized procedure and documenting the results, healthcare providers can improve the accuracy of their diagnoses and treatment plans.

Increased efficiency: 

The template can make healthcare providers' jobs easier by eliminating the need for manual documentation and data entry.

Accessibility: 

Healthcare professionals can quickly and affordably use the free Spurling's Test template by downloading and printing it from various online sources.

Why use this Spurling's Test app?

Carepatron is a comprehensive healthcare platform offering healthcare providers various tools and resources, including  Spurling's Test app.  Because Spurling's Test app is simple and intuitive, healthcare professionals may administer the test quickly and accurately.

The Spurling's Test app from Carepatron enables medical professionals to modify the test based on the patient's requirements and symptoms, resulting in more precise diagnoses and treatment strategies.

The Spurling's Test results are automatically recorded by the app, making it simple for healthcare professionals to evaluate and share the information with other professionals involved in the patient's treatment.  Carepatron makes it easier for healthcare professionals to collaborate and create the patient's best possible treatment plan.

Healthcare practitioners may obtain patient data and medical histories because of the app's seamless integration with Carepatron's other medical tools, which lowers the possibility of mistakes and

Carepatron Spurling's Test app is secure, protecting patient data and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.

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How accurate is Spurling's Test?
How accurate is Spurling's Test?

Commonly asked questions

How accurate is Spurling's Test?

Spurling's Test has a sensitivity of 30-70% and a specificity of 90-100% for detecting cervical radiculopathy.

Who can perform Spurling's Test?

Spurling's Test is typically performed by healthcare providers such as physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and osteopathic physicians trained in musculoskeletal assessments.

Does insurance cover Spurling's Test?

Spurling's Test is a standard diagnostic procedure and is usually covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary by the healthcare provider.

Is there a difference between the Spurling and the Spurling Compression Test?

The Spurling's Test and the Spurling's Compression Test are the same procedure and are used interchangeably.

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