Kemp’s test – What is the purpose, indication and relevance?

Kem’s Test: Client is standing. Practitioner extends and laterally flexes the patient’s back toward the affected side.

Purpose:

• Assess for nerve root compression due to disc herniation or facet joint irritation

Indications:

• Sciatic pain
• Low back pain

Relevance:

• Positive test for nerve root compression – pain, numbness or tingling in the affected leg is indicative or disc herniation
• Positive test for lumbar facet joint irritation – localized lower back pain

Categorised in:

This post was written by Omar Rifai