What is the normal range for cervical spine extension?

What is the normal range for cervical spine extension?

• A. 0-50°
• B. 0-20°
• C. 0-90°
• D. 0-70°

Answer: (D)

Cervical extension is the movement of tilting the head backward from a neutral starting position. The normal arc from neutral to maximum backward tilt is about 0 to 70 degrees. This upper limit reflects how the neck’s joints and soft tissues allow the head to look upward without overextending. While some individuals may have slightly less or more based on age, conditioning, or pathology, 70 degrees is the commonly cited upper bound for a healthy adult. The other ranges shown are either too small to reflect typical function or exceed what is usually expected in a normal, non-injured neck.

Cervical extension is the movement of tilting the head backward from a neutral starting position. The normal arc from neutral to maximum backward tilt is about 0 to 70 degrees. This upper limit reflects how the neck’s joints and soft tissues allow the head to look upward without overextending. While some individuals may have slightly less or more based on age, conditioning, or pathology, 70 degrees is the commonly cited upper bound for a healthy adult. The other ranges shown are either too small to reflect typical function or exceed what is usually expected in a normal, non-injured neck.