Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2001/04, 4(1):35. doi: 10.1016/S1443-8461(01)80058-7, type of study: ,des,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1443846101800587)

Keywords:

chronic pain [324]
descriptive study [72]
diagnosis [412]
low back pain [524]
abstract [186]

Abstract:

Study Design. A prospective descriptive study. Objectives. To identify components of a mechanical assessment that are characteristic of symptomatic lumbar discs, facets, and sacroiliac joints (SIJ). Background. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of McKenzie's mechanical assessment augmented by SIJ provocation tests in identifying the presence of symptomatic lumbar discs and SIJ. No previous study has revealed a means of diagnosing painful lumbar facets by physical examination. Method. Chronic low-back pain patients underwent blind examinations by physical therapists and received diagnostic injections as a criterion standard. Comparisons were made of the mechanical assessments for those patients who had symptomatic discs, facets, or SIJ. Results. Unique sets of characteristics were identified for each of the three groups. Conclusions. Features were found in the mechanical assessment that appear characteristic of painful lumbar facets. Further research is required to determine diagnostic utility of the characteristics.