Observe the effects of Cervical Stairstep on Cervical Spine Range of Motion

The cervical spine can be affected in a number of ways due to its vulnerability to injury. These injuries can result from poor posture, sports or occupation and can lead to degenerative changes. Cervical range of motion (ROM) is also affected by these injuries. When active ROM is restricted, the injury is of muscular origin. Pain with passive ROM indicates ligamentous injury whereas restricted passive ROM indicates blockage within bone or soft tissue. The normal range of motion in the cervical spine is 80-90 degrees flexion, 70 degrees extension, 20-45 degrees lateral flexion and 90 degrees of rotation. A common mechanism of cervical spine injury is axial loading. Axial loading can create a buckling effect within the cervical spine and decrease its ability to move normally, creating a limited ROM.

Inclusion Criteria:

• students and faculty between ages 18 and 50

Exclusion Criteria:

• current neck pain (as measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and utilizing Jackson's and maximal foraminal compression tests to assess for radiating symptoms)
• severe recent head trauma
• acute exacerbations within the past 3 months
• known cervical disc problems
• surgical fusions within the cervical spine
• highly acute symptoms
• a positive valsalva test
• seizure disorder
• analgesics
• muscle relaxants
• medications with effects on the musculoskeletal system
• chiropractic manipulation within 48 hours of the study
• Other exclusions can be made based on investigator judgment