The Best Single Lumbar Clinical Assessment Test: The Seated Compression Test

The Best Single Lumbar Clinical Assessment Test: The Seated Compression Test

This simple, yet clinically valuable test (a la Stuart McGill) helps convince patients that their sitting posture may be influencing their low back pain.

Step #1: With the patient sitting in an upright neutral lordosis posture, ask them to grip underneath their seat and pull up…this action compresses their spine (you may add extra overpressure via the shoulders if required).

Step#2: With the patient now in a slouched posture, ask them to repeat the pulling up and note a difference in pain reproduction.

Step #3: With the patient again in an upright neutral sitting posture, ask them to repeat the self-compression and note an improvement in pain reproduction.

Posted on: December 30, 2009

Categories: Lumbar Spine