Identification of the seventh cervical vertebra by palpation with neck rotation and side bending in patients with neck pain.

Background: Precise localization of vertebral levels through clinical examination represents an essential competency for healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines. The present study sought to assess the reliability of identifying the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) via palpation during cervical rotation and side bending in individuals experiencing neck pain. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the physiotherapy outpatient department of Al-Ahrar Teaching Hospital, located in Zagazig, Egypt. Thirty individuals with complaints of neck pain were recruited for participation. The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) was determined by palpating the most mobile vertebra among the three most prominent cervical segments during cervical rotation and side bending. The accuracy of this identification was confirmed through lateral cervical spine radiographic imaging. Results: The palpation method accurately identified the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) in 36.6% of participants (11 out of 30 cases). Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between palpation accuracy and participants’ age, sex, or body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that none of these factors had a significant effect on the precision of the palpation technique. Conclusion: The precision of identifying the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) through palpation during cervical rotation and side bending in patients with neck pain was found to be 36.6%, reflecting the limited dependability of this assessment technique.