4 Mobility Tests to Determine the Cause of Your Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common things adults complain about frequently, affecting millions of people worldwide and hindering daily life activities. While it can originate from various causes, understanding the root cause of your pain is very important for effective treatment and management. One way to pinpoint the underlying issue is through mobility tests. 

Continue reading to learn more because, in this blog, we’ll discuss four effective mobility tests that can help you identify the cause of your lower back pain and what you can do next.. 

The Hip Flexor Test

The purpose of this test is to evaluate hip flexor tightness, which can contribute to lower back pain.

How to Perform this test:

1. Kneel down on one knee with the opposite foot in front, making a 90-degree angle with both of your legs.
2. Make sure your back straight and gently push your hips forward.
3. You should feel a stretch in the hip flexor of the kneeling leg.

Interpretation:

• Normal Flexibility: If you can push your hips forward without pain, your hip flexors are likely not tight.
• Tightness or Discomfort: If you experience tightness or pain, it may indicate hip flexor tightness affecting your lower back.

The Lumbar Flexion Test

This test aims to evaluate the flexibility and mobility of the lower back.

How to Perform:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart from each other.
2. Slowly bend forward from your hips, reaching toward your toes.
3. Take note of any pain or stiffness in your lower back.
4. Stop if the pain is too sharp.

Interpretation:

• Stiffness or Pain: If you experience pain or difficulty while bending, it may indicate issues with spinal mobility or underlying conditions.
• Normal Mobility: If you can bend forward comfortably without pain, your lumbar spine is likely mobile.

Straight Leg Raise Test

This test aims to help assess the flexibility of your hamstring and determine whether tightness is also contributing to lower back pain.

How to Perform:

1. Lie on your back on a firm surface.
2. Put one leg straight on the ground while gently raising the other leg.
3. Raise the leg to around 30-70 degrees.
4. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort in the lower back or leg.

Interpretation:

• Normal Range: If you can raise your leg without pain, your hamstrings are likely flexible.
• Pain During Lift: Pain or discomfort may indicate tight hamstrings or issues with the lower back, such as sciatica.

The Thomas Test

The purpose of this test is to check and assess the flexibility of the hip flexors and can reveal tightness that may lead to lower back pain.

How to Perform:

1. Lie flat on your back on a firm surface with your legs extended.
2. Pull one of your knees toward your chest while making sure the other leg is straight on the ground.
3. Observe the position of the straight leg.

Interpretation:

• Leg Remains on the Ground: If the straight leg stays flat, your hip flexors are likely flexible.
• Leg Raises Off the Ground: If the straight leg rises or you feel discomfort, it indicates tight hip flexors, which can lead  to lower back pain.

What to do Next? 

After performing these mobility tests, you must evaluate the results. If you experience pain or discomfort during any tests, consider seeking advice from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist. You can also book a service demo call with Granimals to learn more; all you need to do is fill out the form below. We can comprehensively evaluate and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the cause behind your lower back pain is the 1st step toward effective management and recovery. These mobility tests can help identify potential issues, allowing you to take proactive steps to help you heal. Remember, maintaining good mobility and flexibility is crucial to maintaining overall back health, so incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises in your routine is a good idea. 

If you have persistent lower back pain, You consult Granimals for personalised advice and treatment. Your journey to a pain-free life starts with understanding your body. Fill out the form below to book your call with Granimals, or you can fill out the form below to start NOW!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What comes first? Mobility or flexibility? 

Answer: Mobility always comes first, as mobility is defined as the ability to move freely and do any activity easily. Flexibility will come later, and it is your body’s ability to move your joints in an unrestricted range of motion. 

Q2: What does it mean to need mobility? 

Answer: When you talk about mobility, it is an important ability that helps you do all your life activities with ease. If people have good mobility, they will be able to do any physical activity without any issues. 

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