Neck extension Passive

Starting Position



Head level, looking straight ahead.

Ending position



Face parallel to the ceiling.

Clinical Significance



Although the extent of motion is usually best checked with passive motion (to exclude loss of motion due to motor failure), many physicians are reluctant to test head and neck motion passively–it’s too reminiscent of something from pro wrestling. (ie, potentially harmful!)

The atlanto-occipital joint is responsible for approximately 50% of neck flexion and extension; the rest is distributed among the lower vertebrae.

Limitations here could be from generalized arthritis, scoliosis or pain due to cervical nerve root compression.

 Figures



Last Updated on June 27, 2024

🔗 Knowledge Graph & Clinical Correlates

OrthopaedicsOne Living Semantic Network

🩺 Clinical Conditions & Indications

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  • Subaxial cervical trauma 1. High-Yield Summary Subaxial cervical spine trauma encompasses traumatic osseous and disco-ligamentous injuries spanning the third cervical vertebra...
  • Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) 1. High-Yield Summary Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) represents a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of chondrodysplasias characterized by impaired...

🔬 Anatomy, Pathology & Diagnostics

🕸️ Semantic Relations (RDF)