Palpating the Cervical Vertebrae in Prone Position
Palpation requires sensitivity
Let’s delve into palpation of the cervical vertebrae with the receiver in prone position (lying face down). Below is a short clip going through a simple sequence that you can watch and then try out on your own. Sometimes bodyworkers don’t feel that confident in their neck palpation skills, but it’s something anyone can learn.
It requires sensitivity to feel the position and condition of the cervical vertebrae beneath the soft tissues and musculature of the neck. Therefore, it is very important to make sure you are holding your body, arms, wrists and hands in a way that you feel comfortable, without strain. This way your hands will be relaxed as you palpate and your wrists and fingers will be soft, making it easier to perceive subtle differences in the quality and placement of each vertebra.
Palpation is listening
We palpate the vertebrae to gather information about their mobility, placement, alignment and condition. In order to ‘hear’ the information clearly, use your fingers to ‘listen’ rather than just poke around. You may be surprised how much you can perceive by making this small adjustment in how you approach palpation.
Palpation is part of treatment
Remember that palpation is not just for evaluation - it is actually also part of treatment. When something in the body is felt, it is being witnessed. Just like when you listen to a person and truly see a part of them, when you connect to the sensation of a vertebra it will unfold itself towards you, offering information about not only how it got to where it is, but also how to become more free again.