capsule, disc, disc herniation, ligamentous, low back pain, lumbar, lumbar traction, ortho, special test, supine, traction, treatment

Purpose

A pain provocation test used to differentiate between disc or ligamentous/capsular low back pain.

Technique

Patient positioned in hook-lying.

Clinician sits on plinth facing the patient and cradles the patient’s feet between the Clinician’s legs.

Clinician then brings hands behind the patient’s popliteal region and sits back on his heels distracting the patient’s lumbar spine.

Positive

Positive for disc related low back pain if test relieves symptoms.

Positive for ligamentous/capsular low back pain if test provokes symptoms.

Reference

1. Kaltenborn, F.M. (2009). Manual mobilization of the joints: The spine volume II (5th ed.). Minneapolis, MN: OPTP.

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1. Lumbar Shear Test
2. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (extension)
3. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (rotation)
4. Lumbar Segmental Mobility (side bending)
5. Femoral Nerve Test (in side lying)