Cervical-Thoracic Practice Exam

In this setup, the patient sits in the cervical chair with the buttocks placed at the back of the chair, feet extended so they rest on the heels, and the hands folded in the lap with palms facing up. This position keeps the upper body relaxed and the spine aligned, which reduces muscle guarding in the neck and shoulders and provides stable access to the occipito-atlantoaxial region for the adjustment. It also supports comfort and balance during the procedure, making it easier for the chiropractor to work precisely.

The other terms refer to anatomy or different postures rather than how the patient sits. For example, a 45-degree lateral orientation describes a body angle rather than seating position, and terms like thenar or supramastoid groove denote surface landmarks rather than the patient’s stance.