Name two neurodynamic tests used for assessing lumbar radiculopathy.

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These two tests are neurodynamic maneuvers aimed at stressing the lumbar nerve roots and sciatic nerve to see if neural tissue tolerance is reduced, which points to radiculopathy.

The straight leg raise is done with the patient lying on their back and the clinician gently raises the leg with the knee kept straight. If lifting the leg reproduces radicular pain that travels down the leg, especially in a dermatomal pattern like around L5–S1, it suggests irritation or tension of the lumbosacral nerve roots or sciatic nerve. The test specifically helps identify neural tissue sensitivity in the lower spine.

The slump test takes a different route by placing the neural tract under tension along the entire neural axis. The patient sits and slumps forward, then the knee is extended and the ankle is dorsiflexed, with the clinician guiding as needed. Reproduction of symptoms during this sequence indicates that neural structures are irritable along the lumbar spine and below, reinforcing suspicion of radiculopathy.

Other options target different areas: neck-focused tests assess cervical radiculopathy, while Phalen, Tinel, Finkelstein, and Allens relate to carpal tunnel or hand/wrist conditions.