This video describes why I developed this process (Marquis Maneuver) for evaluating cervical nerve root compression. This is something I use very regularly and with high success. Just to be clear, I also perform, sensory testing, MMT'ing, DTR testing, neurodynamic testing, the Spurling's test, Compression test and distraction test.

What does this test help me do?
1. Identify what level the cervical nerve root compression is at.
2. "Tease" out a cervical vs shoulder vs peripheral nerve issue.
3. Predict surgical cervical decompression outcomes.
What are the most common causes of cervical nerve root compression?
1. Cervical herniated disc.
2. Facet arthropathy.
3. Cervical spine listhesis.

List of C5-T1 myotomes
C-5 Elbow flexion, forearm supination, shoulder flex/abd
C-6 Wrist extension
C-7 Elbow extension
C-8 Finger flexion
T-1 Finger intrinsics (abduction of index finger)

How to perform the test:
1. Patient lays supine with no pillow.
2. Manual muscle test the "suspected" muscle group (ie triceps) affected and assess the strength.
3. Place the patient's neck in 15-20 degrees of flexion and 15-20 degrees of lateral flexion TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE.
4. Traction the patient's neck approximately 20# and hold for 20-30 seconds.
5. While tractioning the patient, re-test the patient's strength (triceps) and assess the increase in strength.
6. The muscle group with the greatest increase in strength is the most affected nerve root.
Key Point Don't tell the patient what they should be feeling. They will more often than not, tell you they felt stronger while in traction, and... report less pain.
Patients how have clear signs of nerve root compression secondary to a loss of strength, dec'd DTR's, loss of sensation, positive neural tension and positive Spurling's who don't show an increase in strength with this test are less likely to respond well with surgery or they will take a lot longer to respond to cervical decompression or fusion.
If you are interested in discussing this test with me in more detail or maybe you are interested in doing detailed research about this test please email me or DM me on Instagram.