Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeDuring the TestAccuracy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
During the Test
Accuracy
Healthcare providers sometimes use a test called a straight leg lift (or straight leg raise) to help find the reason for back pain when you lift your leg. Possibilities include a herniated disc orspondylolysis, a stress fracture in the spine.
Some studies suggest the straight leg test is helpful in diagnosingsciaticaand other causes.However, others indicate it may not be effective.
This article looks at why and how the straight leg lift is done, what it says about the cause of back pain, and how accurate it is in detecting problems.
Eliza Snow / Getty Images
Purpose of the Straight Leg Test
The straight leg raise test seeks to reproduce your pain or other symptoms, which gives the healthcare provider clues to what’s going on. It’s a manual exam, meaning your healthcare provider uses their hands to:
This approach is often used alongside imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT (computed tomography) scan.
The straight leg raise is one of the most common manual tests done during physical exams. Its goal is to check for nerve movement and sensitivity of nerve tissue to compression.
The straight leg lift test is sometimes called aneurodynamictest because it uses movement (dynamics) to diagnose nerve problems.
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During the Straight Leg Raise Test
Expect to feel some pain during the test, as the whole point is to see what aggravates your symptoms. They may be due to problems including:
Here’s how the procedure generally goes:
Variations
The examiner may repeat the test with your ankle in a dorsiflexed position. That’s what it’s called when you raise your foot (the opposite of pointing your toes). Then they’ll have you do it with your chin tucked into your chest.
These variations may help the examiner check fornerve involvementin specific locations, including the spinal cord, the spine, or thedura mater(a membrane covering the brain and spinal cord).
If you have your usual pain in the back or leg, but not in your chin, neck, or foot, it’s likely that nerves from the spinal cord are involved.
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Modifications
If you’re unable to lift your leg up while it’s straight, or you have difficulty lying on your back, try not to worry. The straight leg raise test has modifications.
It’s important to let the examiner know about your limitations. That can also help you avoid an injury during the test.
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A 2017 review of studies looked at the accuracy of neurodynamic tests on predicting herniated disc orradiculopathy, which is a pinched nerve root that often causes sciatica.
Researchers were unable to reach a consensus as to whether the straight leg raise test helps with a diagnosis.
Summary
The straight leg raise test is often part of the diagnostic process for sciatica/radiculopathy, herniated disc, and other spinal problem. The healthcare provider giving the test does most of the movement for you as they assess what’s causing your leg or back pain.
For the test, you’ll lie on your back with your legs straight. The provider will have you perform simple movements and tell them how it feels. Then they’ll raise your leg up to see if and at what point you have symptoms.
Research suggests this test may not always be effective. Still, it’s a very common test. Providers often use this test alongside imaging studies.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, Varacallo M.Back Pain. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Pesonen J, Shacklock M, Suomalainen JS, Karttunen L, Mäki J, Airaksinen O,et al.Extending the straight leg raise test for improved clinical evaluation of sciatica: validity and diagnostic performance with reference to the magnetic resonance imaging.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Sep 21;22(1):808. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04649-z.Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, et al.Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy.F1000Res. 2016;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-1530. doi:10.12688/f1000research.8105.2Baselgia LT, Bennett DL, Silbiger RM, Schmid AB.Negative neurodynamic tests do not exclude neural dysfunction in patients with entrapment neuropathies.Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017;98(3):480-486. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.06.019Pande K.The use of passive straight leg raising test: a survey of clinicians.Malays Orthop J. 2015;9(3):44–48. doi:10.5704/MOJ.1511.012Young R, Nix S, Wholohan A, Bradhurst R, Reed L.Interventions for increasing ankle joint dorsiflexion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2013;6(1):46. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-6-46Venne G, Rasquinha BJ, Kunz M, Ellis RE.Rectus capitis posterior minor: histological and biomechanical links to the spinal dura mater. Spine. 2017;42(8):E466-E473. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001867Camino Willhuber GO, Piuzzi NS.Straight Leg Raise Test. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingMiyamoto N, Hirata K, Kimura N, Miyamoto-mikami E.Contributions of Hamstring Stiffness to Straight-Leg-Raise and Sit-and-Reach Test Scores. Int J Sports Med. 2018;39(2):110-114. doi:10.1055/s-0043-117411Additional ReadingMagee DJ.Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, Varacallo M.Back Pain. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Pesonen J, Shacklock M, Suomalainen JS, Karttunen L, Mäki J, Airaksinen O,et al.Extending the straight leg raise test for improved clinical evaluation of sciatica: validity and diagnostic performance with reference to the magnetic resonance imaging.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Sep 21;22(1):808. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04649-z.Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, et al.Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy.F1000Res. 2016;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-1530. doi:10.12688/f1000research.8105.2Baselgia LT, Bennett DL, Silbiger RM, Schmid AB.Negative neurodynamic tests do not exclude neural dysfunction in patients with entrapment neuropathies.Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017;98(3):480-486. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.06.019Pande K.The use of passive straight leg raising test: a survey of clinicians.Malays Orthop J. 2015;9(3):44–48. doi:10.5704/MOJ.1511.012Young R, Nix S, Wholohan A, Bradhurst R, Reed L.Interventions for increasing ankle joint dorsiflexion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2013;6(1):46. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-6-46Venne G, Rasquinha BJ, Kunz M, Ellis RE.Rectus capitis posterior minor: histological and biomechanical links to the spinal dura mater. Spine. 2017;42(8):E466-E473. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001867Camino Willhuber GO, Piuzzi NS.Straight Leg Raise Test. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingMiyamoto N, Hirata K, Kimura N, Miyamoto-mikami E.Contributions of Hamstring Stiffness to Straight-Leg-Raise and Sit-and-Reach Test Scores. Int J Sports Med. 2018;39(2):110-114. doi:10.1055/s-0043-117411Additional ReadingMagee DJ.Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, Varacallo M.Back Pain. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Pesonen J, Shacklock M, Suomalainen JS, Karttunen L, Mäki J, Airaksinen O,et al.Extending the straight leg raise test for improved clinical evaluation of sciatica: validity and diagnostic performance with reference to the magnetic resonance imaging.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Sep 21;22(1):808. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04649-z.Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, et al.Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy.F1000Res. 2016;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-1530. doi:10.12688/f1000research.8105.2Baselgia LT, Bennett DL, Silbiger RM, Schmid AB.Negative neurodynamic tests do not exclude neural dysfunction in patients with entrapment neuropathies.Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017;98(3):480-486. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.06.019Pande K.The use of passive straight leg raising test: a survey of clinicians.Malays Orthop J. 2015;9(3):44–48. doi:10.5704/MOJ.1511.012Young R, Nix S, Wholohan A, Bradhurst R, Reed L.Interventions for increasing ankle joint dorsiflexion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2013;6(1):46. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-6-46Venne G, Rasquinha BJ, Kunz M, Ellis RE.Rectus capitis posterior minor: histological and biomechanical links to the spinal dura mater. Spine. 2017;42(8):E466-E473. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001867Camino Willhuber GO, Piuzzi NS.Straight Leg Raise Test. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingMiyamoto N, Hirata K, Kimura N, Miyamoto-mikami E.Contributions of Hamstring Stiffness to Straight-Leg-Raise and Sit-and-Reach Test Scores. Int J Sports Med. 2018;39(2):110-114. doi:10.1055/s-0043-117411
Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, Varacallo M.Back Pain. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Pesonen J, Shacklock M, Suomalainen JS, Karttunen L, Mäki J, Airaksinen O,et al.Extending the straight leg raise test for improved clinical evaluation of sciatica: validity and diagnostic performance with reference to the magnetic resonance imaging.BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Sep 21;22(1):808. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04649-z.
Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, et al.Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy.F1000Res. 2016;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-1530. doi:10.12688/f1000research.8105.2
Baselgia LT, Bennett DL, Silbiger RM, Schmid AB.Negative neurodynamic tests do not exclude neural dysfunction in patients with entrapment neuropathies.Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017;98(3):480-486. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.06.019
Pande K.The use of passive straight leg raising test: a survey of clinicians.Malays Orthop J. 2015;9(3):44–48. doi:10.5704/MOJ.1511.012
Young R, Nix S, Wholohan A, Bradhurst R, Reed L.Interventions for increasing ankle joint dorsiflexion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Foot Ankle Res. 2013;6(1):46. doi:10.1186/1757-1146-6-46
Venne G, Rasquinha BJ, Kunz M, Ellis RE.Rectus capitis posterior minor: histological and biomechanical links to the spinal dura mater. Spine. 2017;42(8):E466-E473. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001867
Camino Willhuber GO, Piuzzi NS.Straight Leg Raise Test. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Miyamoto N, Hirata K, Kimura N, Miyamoto-mikami E.Contributions of Hamstring Stiffness to Straight-Leg-Raise and Sit-and-Reach Test Scores. Int J Sports Med. 2018;39(2):110-114. doi:10.1055/s-0043-117411
Magee DJ.Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders
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