From the Research
The proper procedure for conducting a spinal bending test involves several key steps to accurately assess spinal health and flexibility, starting with having the patient stand with feet shoulder-width apart in comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Begin by assessing forward flexion by instructing the patient to bend forward slowly, attempting to touch their toes while keeping knees straight, as this movement can help identify issues such as herniated discs or muscle imbalances 1. Observe the curvature of the spine, noting any asymmetry, pain, or limited range of motion. Next, evaluate extension by having the patient bend backward with hands on hips, lateral flexion by bending sideways to each side, and rotation by turning the upper body left and right while keeping the hips stable. Throughout the test, document the range of motion in degrees if possible, note any pain locations, muscle spasms, or compensatory movements.
This comprehensive assessment helps identify potential issues like spinal stenosis or osteoporotic vertebral fractures, which can be predicted using computed tomography-based radiomics nomograms 2. The test should be performed gently, stopping if significant pain occurs, and results should be compared to age-appropriate norms. For accurate diagnosis, this test should be part of a broader evaluation including medical history and possibly imaging studies if structural abnormalities are suspected, such as quantitative computed tomography of the lumbar spine 3.
Some key points to consider during the test include:
- Assessing the patient's ability to perform forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation
- Documenting the range of motion in degrees if possible
- Noting any pain locations, muscle spasms, or compensatory movements
- Comparing results to age-appropriate norms
- Considering the use of imaging studies, such as computed tomography or quantitative computed tomography, to further evaluate spinal health if necessary, as these methods can provide valuable information on bone mineral density and vertebral fracture risk 4, 5.