Which SLR range is described as indicating lumbar disc herniation at L4-S1 nerve roots?

Prepare for the Neuromusculoskeletal II Lecture Exam with detailed study guides, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Unlock comprehensive insights and enhance your knowledge for success.

Multiple Choice

Which SLR range is described as indicating lumbar disc herniation at L4-S1 nerve roots?

The straight leg raise tests how much the nerve roots in the lumbosacral region are being tensioned as the leg is lifted. When a disc herniation compresses the L4–S1 nerve roots, symptoms are typically reproduced in the mid-range of hip flexion, roughly 30 to 70 degrees. Lift the leg too little (<30°) and you may not tension the nerve roots enough to trigger radicular pain, which can be due to other issues like facet problems or hamstring tightness. Lift it too high (>70°) and you’re more likely just stretching the hamstrings or loading other structures, making the sign less specific for disc herniation. Therefore, the range that best indicates a lumbar disc herniation at these nerve roots is the mid-range of about 30–70 degrees.

The straight leg raise tests how much the nerve roots in the lumbosacral region are being tensioned as the leg is lifted. When a disc herniation compresses the L4–S1 nerve roots, symptoms are typically reproduced in the mid-range of hip flexion, roughly 30 to 70 degrees. Lift the leg too little (<30°) and you may not tension the nerve roots enough to trigger radicular pain, which can be due to other issues like facet problems or hamstring tightness. Lift it too high (>70°) and you’re more likely just stretching the hamstrings or loading other structures, making the sign less specific for disc herniation. Therefore, the range that best indicates a lumbar disc herniation at these nerve roots is the mid-range of about 30–70 degrees.

More practice questions