Neck Mobility Assessment
Introduction
The Neck Mobility movement assessment is essential for evaluating the range of motion and functional health of the cervical spine. This assessment examines how well the neck can move in various directions, including flexion, extension, and lateral bending. Assessing neck mobility helps identify any limitations, stiffness, or imbalances in the cervical region, which can impact overall movement efficiency and comfort. Proper neck mobility is crucial for daily activities such as turning the head, maintaining posture, and performing tasks that require head movement.
Purpose and Functionality
The Neck Mobility assessment is a tool used in movement screenings to evaluate the functional range of motion and health of the cervical spine. It helps determine how well the neck can move in various directions, which is crucial for identifying limitations, imbalances, or potential issues in neck function.
What It Evaluates
Lateral Cervical Flexion: This movement is assessed by measuring how well the neck can tilt sideways, bringing the ear towards the shoulder. It evaluates the flexibility and strength of the muscles responsible for side bending, such as the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. Limited lateral cervical flexion may indicate muscle tightness or imbalances on one side of the neck.
Scoring Lateral Cervical Flexion
Lateral cervical flexion is calculated by measuring how much the head tilts towards the shoulder, with the ear and shoulder positions noted. The scoring is on a scale of 0-100%, where angles greater than 40° score 100%, and less than 20° score 0%. Scores between these values are scored linearly.
