• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.203-212
• /
• 2009

Objectives : Spurling test is one of the most widely used physical tests to diagnose herniated cervical intervertebral disc. The purpose of this study is to analyse diagnostic validity of Spurling test. Methods : This study was carried out on 382 subjects who visited Bu-Chun Ja-Seng oriental hospital with the neck pain or radiating pain from neck to upper extremities from November, 2007 to October, 2008. All subjects underwent both Spurling test and cervical magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The associations between Spurling test and herniated cervical intervertebral disc were analysed. Results : 1. The sensitivity of Spurling test for herniated cervical intervertebral disc was 64%. 2. The specificity of Spurling test for herniated cervical intervertebral disc was 86%. 3. The positive predictive value of Spurling test for herniated cervical intervertebral disc was 93%. 4. The negative predictive value of Spurling test for herniated cervical intervertebral disc was 44%. Conclusions : This study suggests that Spurling test is not useful in screening for herniated cervical intervertebral disc due to the test's relatively low sensitivity. Thus it is necessary to consult advanced tests such as diagnostic imaging to diagnose herniated cervical intervertebral disc.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.135-145
• /
• 2020

Objectives : This study reports the clinical case of a patient diagnosed with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament treated with Korean Medicine focusing on Chuna therapy. Methods : The patient was treated by a doctor from July 18th, 2019 to November 28th, 2019. The patient was diagnosed with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament based on magnetic resonance imaging results and was recommended to undergo surgery at another hospital. The primary complaint of the patient was left neck pain, left arm sensation, right leg sensation, and right leg loss of strength. The doctor treated the patient with Chuna therapy, acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and pharmacopuncture. The effect of treatment was evaluated using visual analogue scale, neck disability index, pain rating score and Japanese Orthopedic Association score. Spurling, compression, and distraction tests were utilized. Results : Visual analogue scale decreased from 10 at the arm and 10 at the leg to 1 and 2, respectively. Neck disability index decreased from 25 to 11, pain rating score decreased from 66 to 1, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score recovered from 12 to 17 points. In addition, positive spurling test, compression test, and distraction test all improved to negative. Conclusions : Korean medicine treatment can be effective for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament patients, even when surgery is recommended. Further clinical studies, such as case series and case-control studies, are required to verify these findings.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.81-89
• /
• 2010

Objects : This study was to report a clinical effect of Chuna Treatment for a patient diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) as Cervical Myelopathy. Methods: In order to alleviate shoulder pain and neck stiffness, the patient was treated by acupuncture therapy, herbal medicine, phamacopucture, cervical traction technique of Chuna treatment and conservative managements. To evaluate the effect of the treatment, Recovery rate of Hirabayashi, VAS(Visual Anlaogue Scale), NDI and ROM(Range of Motion) were used. Lhermitte's sign, Valsalva test, Distraction test, Compression test and Spurling test were carried out. Results: VAS, NDI and ROM were improved and Recovery rate was 100%. Conclusions: Korean Treatment can be effectively used for a patient with Cervical Myelopathy. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the findings.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.85-94
• /
• 2009

Objects : This study was to report a clinical effect of Korean Treatment for a patient diagnosed by Computed Tomography as Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Ossification of posterior Longitudinal Ligament. Methods : In order to alleviate left shoulder pain and neck stiffness, the patient was treated by acupuncture therapy, herbal medicine, distilled herbal injection, cervical traction technique of Chuna treatment and conservative managements. To evaluate the effect of the treatment, Recovery rate of Hirabayashi, VAS(Visual Anlaogue Scale), NDI and ROM(Range of Motion) were used. Lhermitte's sign, Valsalva test, Distraction test, Compression test and Spurling test were carried out. Results : VAS, NDI and ROM were improved and Recovery rate was 100%. Conclusions : Korean Treatment can be effectively used for a patient with Cervical Spinal Stenosis with OPLL. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the findings.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.145-156
• /
• 2010

Objects: This study was to report a clinical effect of Chuna Treatment for a patient diagnosed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) as Cervical Myelopathy. Methods: In order to alleviate shoulder pain and neck stiffness, the patient was treated by acupuncture therapy, herbal medicine, pharmacopucture, cervical traction technique of Chuna treatment and conservative managements. To evaluate the effect of the treatment, Recovery rate of Hirabayashi, VAS(Visual Analogue Scale), NDI and ROM(Range of Motion) were used. Lhermitte's sign, Valsalva test, Distraction test, Compression test and Spurling test were carried out. Results: VAS, NDI and ROM were improved and Recovery rate was 100%. Conclusions: Korean Treatment can be effectively used for a patient with Cervical Myelopathy. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the findings.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.133-139
• /
• 2021

The purpose of this study is to report a case in which neoplasm metastases of cervical vertebrae were found in lung cancer patient during inpatient treatment for neck pain. Pain assessment and physical examination including numeral rating scale, range of motion of neck, Spurling's test, cervical compression test were performed. As a result, C-spine series X-ray was taken under the judgement it is not a simple neck pain. Bone metastases were suspected as X-ray showed loss of C7 left pedicle, indistinct C7 left transverse process and indistinct C4 upper margin. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were taken as further examination, and metastases of C4, C6, C7 were confirmed. The patient was transferred for professional treatment. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of appropriate diagnostic evaluation such as pain assessment and physical examination, and the need for diagnostic imaging in the treatment of patients with neoplasm history.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2024

This case report aims to illustrate the diagnostic challenge and effective management of acute cervical radiculopathy presenting as shoulder pain, differentially diagnosed through physical examinations, and subsequently treated with acupotomy. A male patient in his late 20s with no significant medical history or comorbidities reported acute left shoulder pain upon awakening, rated at a severity of 7 on the numeric rating scale (NRS). Initial physical evaluations of the shoulder assembly revealed no abnormalities, but a positive Spurling test, relief with cervical distraction, and diminished sensation across the left C5~C8 dermatomes pointed towards a cervical spine origin. Immediate acupotomy at identified tender points significantly reduced pain, with additional therapies enhancing recovery. Pain was eliminated after the second treatment, and this resolution was sustained at the 4-week follow-up, confirming the treatment's effectiveness and verifying the absence of adverse effects. This case presents the critical need for precise diagnosis in cases of neck and shoulder pain. Additionally, the employment of acupotomy provided a swift and effective resolution of symptoms in acute cervical radiculopathy, showing its value in clinical practice.