Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Thoracolumbar Active Range of Motion

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient standing, ask the patient to move the thoracolumbar spine through the full range of motion in forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion to each side, and rotation to each side. For rotation, stabilize the pelvis while the patient turns the shoulders. Observe the range and smoothness of motion, compare sides for lateral flexion and rotation, and note any pain or restriction.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 2 findings

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Back and/or leg pain relieved by forward flexion and provoked by lumbar extension
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Minimally helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Gran JT. An epidemiological survey of the signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Rheumatol. 1985;4(2):161-169. doi:10.1007/BF02032287. PMID 3159533.
  • Suri P, Rainville J, Kalichman L, Katz JN. Does this older adult with lower extremity pain have the clinical syndrome of lumbar spinal stenosis? JAMA. 2010;304(23):2628-2636. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.1833. PMID: 21156951.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Systems / Regions

MusculoskeletalThorax

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