Question
What is the MCRC [active] test?  Also, what do the abbreviations: nr, sas, contra, sol, and iso stand for?
I work for a computer software company and need to know what these areas are in order to put them in the software we are providing for a Chiropractic clinic.  He also uses the abbreviations: For Comp [rot], Sho Depress, and Cerv distract in regards to tests, which I am not sure what he is meaning.  Thanks!!

Answer
Dear Jeri,

I can help you with a few of these abbreviations, but the best way to settle the understanding is to contact the doctor directly.  There should be a key for all abbreviations used on his forms, and the Chiropractor needs to have this included on his forms.  Some of his abbreviations you have provided are not standard medical shorthand or chiropracatic shorthand.

FOR COMP= Foraminal compression test of the neck with rotation for the facet joints in the neck

SHO DEPRESS=Shoulder depression test for the brachial plexus stretch (nerves that go to the arms)

CERV DISTRACT=Cervical distraction test, (for neck structures)

CONTRA= Stands for contralateral, meaning the opposite side

ISO=Isometric, meaning same movement/measure...frequently used in manual muscle testing

ACTIVE=the patient is actually participating in the testing proceedure with muscle contractions or movements.  Passive would mean that only the doctor is performing the test.

MCRC=possibly stands for Muscle Contract Relax Contract, NR=possibly non-responsive, SOL=possibly solitaary, and SAS=?.  These last few are all non-standard abbreviations.

Hope this helps Jeri, best of luck.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leathereman