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Orthopedic Clinical Guide · Cervical Spine Care

Neck Pain & Arm Radiation: Clinical Self-Tests in Sweden

Medically reviewed by specialist physiotherapist · Updated 11 October 2026 · Vardse Nordic AB

Prolonged desk work and screen posture frequently induce muscular neck strain. However, when neck discomfort radiates into the shoulder blade, arm, or fingers, differentiating between benign muscular tension (wry neck) and cervical radiculopathy (disc herniation) is critical for preventing persistent neuropathic compromise.

Medical 3D anatomical visualization of the cervical spine C4-C7 showing disc herniation and nerve roots
Figure 1: Anatomical visualization of the cervical spine (C4–C7) highlighting nerve root compression at C5–C6 and C6–C7, and suboccipital muscular trigger points.

Three Clinical Self-Tests for Cervical Pathology

Perform these movements gently while seated in an upright chair.

Motion avatars demonstrating Spurling test, chin tuck retraction, and upper limb neurodynamic test
Figure 2: Clinical orthopedic self-tests demonstrated by motion avatars: 1. Modified Spurling's Test, 2. Chin Tuck Retraction Test, 3. Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test (ULTT).

Test 1: Modified Spurling's Test (Nerve Root Compression)

Procedure: Sit upright. Slowly side-bend your head toward the painful side, rotate slightly in the same direction, and apply gentle downward pressure to the top of your head with one hand.

Positive Finding: Reproduction of sharp shooting electric shock sensations radiating down your arm into your fingers confirms cervical radiculopathy.

Test 2: Chin Tuck Retraction Test (McKenzie Disc Unloading)

Procedure: Sit upright and retract your head straight backward (creating a double chin) without tilting your head down. Repeat 5–10 times.

Positive Finding: Centralization of arm symptoms back toward the neck indicates positive directional preference for conservative therapy.

Test 3: Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test (ULTT)

Procedure: Extend your affected arm 90 degrees out to the side with palm facing upward. Bend your wrist and fingers backward toward the floor while tilting your head away from the arm.

Positive Finding: Tingling, numbness, or pulling pain down the front of the forearm confirms increased neural tension.

⚠️ Red Flags – Immediate Hospital Evaluation

Seek urgent hospital emergency care (call 112 in Sweden) if you notice progressive bilateral hand clumsiness (inability to button shirts or hold a cup), unsteady walking/gait disturbance (cervical myelopathy), or high fever with stiff neck.

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