Understanding the Slump Test Assessment
A highly sensitive test to assess for **neural tension** or irritation of the spinal cord and nerve roots, often due to disc pathology or stenosis.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting at the edge of the table.
What happens?
The examiner guides the patient through a sequence of movements: **1)** Slump the trunk (thoracic and lumbar flexion). **2)** Flex the neck. **3)** Extend the knee. **4)** Dorsiflex the ankle.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The reproduction of the patient's familiar **radicular symptoms** or pain that is relieved by **releasing one component** (e.g., neck extension).
Helpful Tip:
This test sequentially places maximum stress on the dura mater and the entire spinal nervous system.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Lumbar Spine Tests
Lasegue's Sign (Straight Leg Raise - SLR)
To assess for tension or irritation of the **Sciatic Nerve** (L4-S3 nerve roots), typically due to a **Lumbar Disc Herniation**.
Valsalva Maneuver
To increase **intra-abdominal and intrathecal pressure** to provoke symptoms related to a space-occupying lesion in the spinal canal (e.g., disc herniation, tumor).