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Neck

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HEAD AND NECK TILT / LATERAL FLEXION

From the posterior side of the patient, observe the ears and see if they are level to each other, or if there is lateral tilt along the base of the skulls/upper cervical levels

Muscles that are most likely to be affected with an lateral head tilt:

Other muscles which can be affected with lateral head tilt:

  • Iliocostalis
  • Longissimus
  • Spinalis
  • Semispinalis
  • Multifidus
  • Longus Colli
  • Longus Capitis
  • Intertransversii

CERVICAL ROTATION

When standing directly behind the patient, notice any rotation of the neck by observing whether one cheek/jaw line of the patient's face is more visible from behind than the other

Muscles that are most likely to be affected with cervical rotation:

Other muscles which may be affected with cervical rotation:

  • Semispinalis (contralateral)
  • Multifidus (contralateral)
  • Rotatores (contralateral)
  • Longus Colli (Contralateral)
  • Iliocostalis (ipsilateral)
  • Longissimus (ipsilateral)
  • Spinalis (ipsilateral)

HYPERTONICITY IN CERVICAL EXTENSORS

Observe along the cervical spine if there is visible difference in the muscle tone on either side

Muscles that are most likely to be affected with hypertonicity of the spinal extensors:

FORWARD HEAD TRANSLATION (EGET)

Is often accompanied with a thoracic kyphosis, leading the cervical spine into a forward head translation with flexion of the cervical muscles

Muscles that are most likely to be affected with forward head translation and neck flexion:

Adduction of

Distant muscles which may cause a forward head translation: