3 Tests to Determine What’s Causing Low Back Pain | Chiropractor in West Des Moines, IA
Hi, Dr. Kevin with Truth Family Chiropractic. Today, I’ll explain three essential tests we use to determine if you’re experiencing subluxation and associated low back pain.
1. Leg Lift Test
First, we conduct the leg lift test. You will tuck your chin towards your chest and then lift one leg straight up while lying on your back. If this movement causes pain to radiate down your leg, it typically indicates a positive sign of a disc injury in the lower back.
2. Palpation Test
Next is the palpation test. I will manually examine the lumbar spine by pressing on each vertebra—L1 through L5. The presence of tenderness or discomfort during this test suggests that there may be a subluxation, which is a misalignment of the vertebrae that needs correction.
3. Flexion and Extension Test
Finally, we perform the flexion and extension test. I’ll ask you to bend forward and then arch back while standing. If either movement triggers low back pain, it is a strong indicator of subluxation in the lumbar region.
These tests are crucial in accurately diagnosing the presence of subluxations and understanding the underlying causes of your low back pain. Identifying these issues allows us to proceed with the most effective chiropractic treatments to alleviate your discomfort and improve your spinal health.
