(for
Discogenic Pain)
- Discussion:
- performed with the patient prone with arms at the sides;
- examiners thumbs finds an interspace and exerts sharp downward
pressure seeking a reproduction of pain;
- several interspaces are tested to find levels that are not painful
for comparison;
- if no interspace is found or if all are painful, test cannot be done;
- if one or two levels are painful, the patient is asked to lift his
head, shoulders, and arms and the downward pressure is repeated;
- if pain is greater when the patient is prone & relaxed than when
extended with paravertebral muscles tight, test is positive;
- test stresses the painful annulus in relaxed position, but contracted
muscles stabilize the segment, reducing stress & pain from pressure;
- if pain is greater with the muscles contracted or the pain is
equal with both maneuvers, the test is negative;
- wt relief flexion is performed w/ pt supine, hips and knees flexed;
- examiner places one arm under the patients knees and lifts patient's
buttocks up from the examination table;
- if the pain is decreased with this maneuver, the test is positive;
