Low Back Pain
- Paul Williamson
- Jun 21, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Neurological Assessments
Lumbo-Sacral Radiculopathy
Lumbo-sacral radiculopathy is a pathologic process involving the nerve roots, which may cause radicular symptoms into a lower extremity. This is typically caused by changes in the tissues surrounding the nerve roots.
The nerve root may be compressed by a foraminal stenosis due to a degenerative process, a herniated disc, facet joint or ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, mechanical factors may also cause an chemical irritation of the nerve roots.
Symptoms of Radiculopathy
Tingling or numbness
Weakness
Decreased motor skills
Loss of sensation
Pain
Evidence based Assessment
There is a scarcity of literature pertaining to the clinical utility of neurological assessments. The literature that does exist suggests there is low to moderate level of evidence supporting the diagnostic utility of individual assessments. Literature suggests that the most promising diagnostic accuracy includes a cluster of clinical examination signs with a thorough patient history.
Slump Assessment
Positive if reproduction of patient symptoms, sensitisation and asymmetry compared to contralateral side
Patella Deep Tendon Reflex
Jendrassik's manoeuvre can be used to improve reflex response
Positive considered when depression of reflex compared to contralateral side
Achilles Deep Tendon Reflex
Jendrassik's manoeuvre can be used to improve reflex response
Positive considered when depression of reflex compared to contralateral side
Dermatomes
Positive when considered impaired sensation compared to the contralateral side
Myotomes
Positive when noticeable weakness compared to the contralateral side
Neural Palpation
Positive when pain or discomfort noted compared to contralateral side
Straight Leg Raise
Positive if reproduction of patient symptoms, sensitisation and asymmetry compared to contralateral side
Femoral Nerve Tension Test
Positive if reproduction of patient symptoms, sensitisation, pain and asymmetry compared to contralateral side
Have you found lumbo-sacral Assessments useful?
YES
NO
