ROM visual guides
Clear, simple diagrams showing what movements are being measured and how degrees usually map to loss.
Educational tool — not medical or legal advice.
ROM measurement visual guides
Simple diagrams showing what movement is being measured and where the degree marks usually sit.
Cervical Spine • R. 5223.0370
Cervical Spine (Neck)
A doctor or therapist uses an inclinometer (a small angle-measuring tool) placed on your head and upper back while you sit upright in a chair. They measure how far you can move your head in each direction.
Flexion (chin to chest)
Sit up straight and slowly lower your chin toward your chest as far as you comfortably can. The doctor measures the angle from your starting position.
Normal: 50° • Cite: R. 5223.0370, subp. 2
| Loss description | Degrees lost | Estimated WBI% |
|---|---|---|
| 25% loss (13° lost of 50° normal) | 13 | 0.35% |
| 50% loss (25° lost of 50° normal) | 25 | 0.7% |
| 75% loss (38° lost of 50° normal) | 38 | 1.04% |
| 100% loss (50° lost of 50° normal) | 50 | 1.39% |
Extension (looking up at ceiling)
Sit up straight and slowly tilt your head back to look up at the ceiling. The doctor measures how far back you can go.
Normal: 60° • Cite: R. 5223.0370, subp. 2
| Loss description | Degrees lost | Estimated WBI% |
|---|---|---|
| 25% loss (15° lost of 60° normal) | 15 | 0.42% |
| 50% loss (30° lost of 60° normal) | 30 | 0.84% |
| 75% loss (45° lost of 60° normal) | 45 | 1.25% |
| 100% loss (60° lost of 60° normal) | 60 | 1.67% |
Lateral Flexion — Left (ear toward left shoulder)
Sit up straight, face forward, and tilt your head sideways trying to touch your left ear to your left shoulder. Don't raise your shoulder — just move your head.
Normal: 45° • Cite: R. 5223.0370, subp. 2
| Loss description | Degrees lost | Estimated WBI% |
|---|---|---|
| 25% loss (11° lost of 45° normal) | 11 | 0.31% |
| 50% loss (23° lost of 45° normal) | 23 | 0.63% |
| 75% loss (34° lost of 45° normal) | 34 | 0.94% |
| 100% loss (45° lost of 45° normal) | 45 | 1.25% |
Lateral Flexion — Right (ear toward right shoulder)
Same as left lateral flexion, but tilt your head to the right, trying to touch your right ear to your right shoulder.
Normal: 45° • Cite: R. 5223.0370, subp. 2
| Loss description | Degrees lost | Estimated WBI% |
|---|---|---|
| 25% loss (11° lost of 45° normal) | 11 | 0.31% |
| 50% loss (23° lost of 45° normal) | 23 | 0.63% |
| 75% loss (34° lost of 45° normal) | 34 | 0.94% |
| 100% loss (45° lost of 45° normal) | 45 | 1.25% |
Rotation — Left (turning head left)
Sit up straight and turn your head to the left as far as you can, as if looking over your left shoulder. The doctor measures the angle of rotation.
Normal: 80° • Cite: R. 5223.0370, subp. 2
| Loss description | Degrees lost | Estimated WBI% |
|---|---|---|
| 25% loss (20° lost of 80° normal) | 20 | 0.56% |
| 50% loss (40° lost of 80° normal) | 40 | 1.11% |
| 75% loss (60° lost of 80° normal) | 60 | 1.67% |
| 100% loss (80° lost of 80° normal) | 80 | 2.22% |
Rotation — Right (turning head right)
Same as left rotation, but turn your head to the right as far as you can, as if looking over your right shoulder.
Normal: 80° • Cite: R. 5223.0370, subp. 2
| Loss description | Degrees lost | Estimated WBI% |
|---|---|---|
| 25% loss (20° lost of 80° normal) | 20 | 0.56% |
| 50% loss (40° lost of 80° normal) | 40 | 1.11% |
| 75% loss (60° lost of 80° normal) | 60 | 1.67% |
| 100% loss (80° lost of 80° normal) | 80 | 2.22% |