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Straight-Leg Test for Evaluating Low Back Pain

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Topic Overview

For a straight-leg test for low back pain, you lie on your back with both legs straight. Your health professional raises one of your legs upward, keeping the knee straight.

If you have pain down the back of your leg below the knee when your leg is raised, the test is positive (abnormal).
If doing this test on the unaffected leg causes pain in the affected leg, it is more likely that you have a herniated disc. This is known as crossover pain.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 04, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.