McKenzie Side Glide Test: Assessing Lateral Shift

The McKenzie Side Glide Test is a specific movement assessment used to identify and treat a lateral shift deformity in the lumbar spine. It is crucial for determining if a patient's back and leg pain can be "centralized" (moved out of the leg).

1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the McKenzie Side Glide Test is to **determine the presence and relevance** of a lateral shift in the lumbar spine. It assesses whether the shift is correctable and helps determine if the patient's symptoms (often disc-related) can be centralized.

2. How to Perform

1. The patient stands with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. The examiner stands on the side of the patient (typically the side the patient is shifting away from, or testing both sides for comparison).
3. The examiner places their shoulder against the patient's lower thorax/ribs.
4. The examiner wraps their arms around the patient's pelvis.
5. The examiner pulls the patient's pelvis towards them while simultaneously pushing the patient's shoulders away, creating a side-gliding movement.

3. Positive & Negative Sign

Positive Sign (Test is POSITIVE):
A positive finding is indicated by:

• Reproduction or increase of symptoms (pain).
• A significant restriction in the range of motion compared to the other side.
• Centralization of symptoms (pain moves from the leg up to the back), which is a favorable prognostic sign for disc pathology.

Negative Sign (Test is NEGATIVE):
A negative test is normal, symmetrical movement without pain reproduction.