Cervical Spine Algorithm

An interactive decision flowchart for neck complaints. It screens first for red flags, then applies the Canadian C-Spine Rule and NEXUS after trauma, Sharp-Purser and myelopathy signs for suspected atlantoaxial instability, Spurling A and the upper limb tension test for radiating arm pain, facet joint palpation for segmental pain, brachial plexus compression, and the four-test Wainner clinical prediction rule. It separates urgent referral, suspected cervical fracture, atlantoaxial instability or cervical myelopathy, cervical radiculopathy, mechanical joint dysfunction, and the neck being an unlikely source.

Written for qualified clinicians. The tool supports clinical reasoning; it does not replace examination, imaging or diagnosis.