Slump Test 1 – Spinal Cord, Sciatic Nerve, Cervical, and Lumbar Nerve Root Bias Purpose of Slump Test 1: To determine if the tension along the spinal cord, sciatic nerve, and cervical and lumbar nerve roots contribute to the neurologic symptoms associated with radiculopathy (1). Patient position: High sitting (as upright as tolerated) with hands behind the back. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient, at … Continue reading Slump Test 1
Prevalence rates grew by 17% globally between 2005 and 2015 (Hurwitz 2018). A first episode of low back pain occurring within a year is estimated to occur between 6.3% and 15.4% of the time, with estimates for the incidence of any episode occurring within a year as high as 36%. In the general population, low back pain is thought to affect 23.2% of people within … Continue reading Problems with back pain: Natural history and disability.
Finding the best way to manipulate or mobilize the spine in patients with severe radiculopathies can be difficult for many physiotherapists. There are two ways to determine the right direction. The first is the H-reflex approach, which Mohamed Sabahhi described (Abdulwahab and Sabbahi, 2000; Ali Ashraf and Sabbahi, 2001; Ali and Sabbahi, 2000), Another one is the Robin McKenzie-described pre-manipulative testing (McKenzie R 1981). Both … Continue reading Spinal manipulation and mobilization in the right direction: part 2
Purpose of Milgram’s Test: To determine if there is a pathology in the intra/extra thecal area of the spine. The intrathecal pathology may include a spinal tumour and extrathecal pathology may include a herniated disc or a space-occupying lesion. Patient position: Lying supine. Examiner position: Standing beside the bed. Procedure: Ask the patient to raise both legs up to 4 – 6 inches off the bed (20 degrees) and hold them … Continue reading Milgram’s Test
Purpose of Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms related to radiculopathy (pain, muscle weakness, numbness and/or tingling that spreads distally in the limbs) when the patient inhales, holds the breath and bears down (strains) as if trying to have a bowel movement (1). Patient position: Standing or sitting upright with back unsupported. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient. Procedure: The … Continue reading Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine
