Spine Orthopaedic Test: McKenzie Side Glide Test

The McKenzie Side Glide Test is a physical examination technique used to assess the presence of lumbar spine dysfunction. Here's how you can perform it:

1. Position the patient in a standing position with their feet shoulder-width apart and their hands on their hips.
2. Instruct the patient to identify any area of their lower back that is painful or uncomfortable.
3. Stand behind the patient and place your hands on their hips.
4. Ask the patient to lean to the right or left, away from the painful or uncomfortable area, while maintaining a straight posture.
5. Observe the patient's lower back and assess for any changes in the alignment of the spine or the position of the pelvis.
6. Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.
7. Compare the results of the two sides.

If the patient experiences a reduction in pain or discomfort during the test, it may indicate that the spinal dysfunction is related to a positional fault, such as a lateral shift of the spine, and that directional exercises may be helpful for treatment.

References:

1. McKenzie R. The Lumbar Spine: Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy. Spinal Publications, 1981.
2. Machado LA, de Souza Mv, Ferreira PH, Ferreira ML. The McKenzie method for low back pain: a systematic review of the literature with a meta-analysis approach. Spine, 2006; 31(9): E254-262.
3. Clare HA, Adams R, Maher CG. A systematic review of efficacy of McKenzie therapy for spinal pain. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 2004; 50(4): 209-216.
4. May S, Aina A. Centralization and directional preference: a systematic review. Manual Therapy, 2012; 17(6): 497-506.
5. Petersen T, Kryger P, Ekdahl C, Olsen S, Jacobsen S. The effect of McKenzie therapy as compared with that of intensive strengthening training for the treatment of patients with subacute or chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Spine, 2002; 27(17): 1702-1709.
6. Werneke MW, Hart DL, Cook D. A descriptive study of the centralization phenomenon. A prospective analysis. Spine, 1999; 24(7): 676-683.