Causes for pain and/or limitation of motion with SLR test
1) negative
- this often occurs in cases of aspecific low back pain ; nevertheless several authors maintain that the symptoms are caused by a primary disc lesion.
2) full range motion, but painful
- this finding can be seen as the result of a smallar disc protrusion. after disc surgery, this test can remain positive for several months.
3) negative, but with a painful arc
- this combination is pathognomic for a disc protrusion.
4) limited range of motion and painful, without neurological deficit in the lower extremities
- this can result from a disc protrusion that hinders the mobility of the dura mater and the nerve root but does not compromise the function of the nerve root.
5) significant limitation of motion with shooting pain in the lateral or posterior aspect of the leg and possibly severe pain in the back
- usually, in this situation, neurological deficits are also present. almost always, this finding indicates a disc protrusion that has compromised both the mobility and the function of the nerve root.
6) negative, but with neurological deficits in the lower extremities
- this is an indication of either a massive prolapse with simultaneous ischemia of the nerve root and dural sleeve or a non-disc related neurological disorder. as a result, the nerve will go numb.
7) limited range of motion, but painless
- most likely there is either an ischemia with adhesions between the dural sleeve and the nerve root or there is a muscle lesion.
DTS, Dos Winkel.