Neck Range of Motion

The extent to which a person can move their head and neck through three planes of rotation: flexion and extension (nodding forward and backward), axial rotation (turning left and right), and lateral bending (tilting ear toward shoulder). Normal active neck range of motion varies by age and individual, with typical values around 118 degrees for flexion/extension, 154 degrees for axial rotation, and 48 degrees for lateral bending. Reduced neck range of motion, common in conditions such as cervical spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and spinal stenosis, directly impacts the ability to use head-controlled computer interfaces and other assistive technologies that depend on head movement.