Episode Summary
Learn a practical, step-by-step approach to lumbar spine assessment, from movement testing and palpation to neurological and neurodynamic screening. Discover how to identify symptom-provoking patterns, interpret patient responses, and refine your clinical reasoning with greater confidence.
The lumbar spine examination is outlined step by step, covering both symptom reproduction and movement assessment. Learners are introduced to active range of motion with overpressure, including flexion, extension, side flexion, and rotation, while observing range, movement quality, symptom behavior, and whether altered movement patterns change symptoms.
The section then explains combined movements and repeated movements, showing how these can stress specific structures and help identify symptom responses such as improvement or aggravation. Movement-pattern assessment focuses on posture, lumbar lordosis versus flexion, and breathing strategy, especially how trunk, pelvis, and breathing may influence pain.
Further examination includes palpation for pain provocation, motion palpation of lumbar segments, and a cluster of sacroiliac joint provocation tests. Neurological screening is also covered through reflexes, dermatomes, myotomes, Babinski, and clonus, followed by neurodynamic testing with straight leg raise, slump test, and prone knee bend. Overall, the emphasis is on systematic assessment, careful monitoring of symptoms, comparison between sides, and integrating findings into clinical reasoning.
