Lumbar Jacked
This deep core muscle runs from the lumbar spine to the femur and is a key stabilizer during trunk movements.
What is the psoas major?
This dermatome corresponds to the medial malleolus.
What is L4?
The lumbar spine typically has this natural curve in standing posture.
What is lordosis?
This is the gel-like center of an intervertebral disc that can herniate through the outer ring.
What is the nucleus pulposa?
Compression of this spinal nerve root typically causes weakness in ankle dorsiflexion and difficulty with heel walking.
What is L4?
The lumbar multifidus helps stabilize the spine during this type of common resistance movement.
What is lifting?
A positive straight leg raise test between 30–70 degrees typically indicates this pathology.
What is lumbar disc herniation (or lumbar radiculopathy)?
When teaching safe lifting, you should encourage patients to lift with this part of the body, not the back.
What are the legs?
This lumbar diagnosis typically presents with bilateral neurogenic claudication and leg pain during walking.
What is lumbar spinal stenosis?
An SLR greater than 90º and no pain.
What is positive exam finding for MCI?
This muscle group extends the spine and works eccentrically when you bend forward slowly.
What is erector spinae?
Central canal stenosis often worsens with this spinal movement and improves with forward flexion.
What is extension?
This intra-abdominal strategy helps protect the spine during lifting and core engagement.
What is the Valsalva Maneuver?
This type of disc herniation is contained within the outer fibers of the annulus fibrosus and does not break through completely.
What is a bulging disc?
This diagnosis presents with unilateral neurogenic pain.
What is foramenal stenosis?
During a prone plank, this core muscle group is primarily engaged to prevent lumbar hyperextension.
What are abdominals?
Loss of bowel or bladder function with saddle anesthesia is a red flag for this condition.
What is cauda equina?
Excessive anterior pelvic tilt often increases this spinal alignment deviation.
What is excessive lumbar lordosis?
This clinical test helps differentiate lumbar radiculopathy caused by disc herniation by stretching the affected nerve root.
What is a SLR?
This is the primary goal of a lumbar laminectomy surgery.
What is to decompress the spinal canal or nerve roots?
According to McGill, these three exercises are commonly used to strengthen the lumbar spine without placing excessive shear forces on it.
What are the McGill Big 3: curl-up, side plank, and bird-dog?
This spinal condition is characterized by bilateral leg pain during walking or standing that is relieved by sitting or lumbar flexion.
What is neurogenic claudication?
During lifting, failure to properly activate this muscle group increases lumbar shear forces and can contribute to injury.
What are the glutes?
This lumbar disc condition is characterized by degeneration, loss of disc height, and can contribute to segmental instability and stenosis.
During kyphoplasty, this material is injected into the vertebral body to stabilize the fracture.
What is bone cement?