Low Back Pain - Slump Test and Nerve Flossing

The Slump Test:

The Slump Test can be described as a test used to detect altered neurodynamic sensitization of neural tissue. It can be a helpful adjunct in testing neural dynamics because emphasis can be placed at different points along the full length of the neural continuum from the top-most part of the spinal cord down to the toes.

• To carry out the test, the patient is seated with hands behind back to aid in achieving a neutral spine.

• The patient slumps forward at the thoracic and lumbar spine.

• If non-symptomatic, neck flexion is added by placing the chin on the chest.

• The next stage involves the patient extending their knee as much as possible.

• If the knee causes pain, the patient is asked to extend the neck into neutral by lifting their head up.

• If the patient’s knee extension is still symptomatic, the test is considered positive.

• If extending the knee is not symptomatic, the patient can actively dorsiflex the ankle. If symptoms are elicited on dorsiflexion, the patient can then slightly flex the knee while continuing to dorsiflex the foot; this should decrease symptoms.

• Repeat test on opposite side.

• Overpressure can be applied during any of the test positions

Nerve Flossing:

Your peripheral nerves may become tight as a result of injury or an illness causing pain and a reduction in movement.

Nerve flossing, also known as neural gliding or nerve gliding, is a gentle exercise aimed at reducing pain and increasing range of movement by stretching the affected nerves.

Often used to relieve the symptoms of conditions such as sciatica and piriformis syndrome, nerve flossing exercises target the relevant nerves in the body.  These exercises will be adapted according to the condition they are trying to treat.

So for example, the sciatic nerve may become pinched by a herniated disc or facet joint.  As a result there may be some damage to the membrane, leading to some scar tissue forming.  This in turn may cause tightness or tingling or pain in that area where the nerve travels.  This could then limit movement in the joints of your hip, knees or ankles.  The purpose of the nerve flossing would be therefore to reduce the pain and increase the movement back to normal ranges.

During the nerve flossing, you may feel some pain or tingling but this should stop after a few minutes.

 The Sciatic Nerve