Pre-treatment risk factor assessment and safe management of the cervical spine: a survey among physical therapists

Respondents sufficiently addressed risk factors in the patient interview. Regarding the physical examination, improvement of physical therapists' knowledge and skills in cranial nerve examination is needed, and positional testing should be avoided as it is no longer recommended. Participants' knowledge of cervical spine treatment risks and risk factors is variable and ongoing updating of clinical knowledge is important, as conclusions may change over time.