Every fortnight, we drop one clinical question to test your MSK brain and keep you sharp. These are designed for anyone working in musculoskeletal primary care, whether youβve done McKenzie training or not.
β
A 42-year-old recreational gardener presents with constant left-sided low back pain after pulling a stubborn weed from the garden two days ago. The pain is localised to the left lumbar region, with no leg symptoms. He reports stiffness in the morning and discomfort when bending forward.
During assessment, repeated movements in extension increase his pain initially, but a sustained extension in lying position (5 minutes prone lying in extension) results in a reduction in pain intensity and improved range of motion when returning to standing. The pain remains localised to the left side throughout.
Which of the following best describes this clinical response?
A. Centralisation
B. Directional Preference
C. Both Centralisation and Directional Preference
D. Neither Centralisation nor Directional preference
β Correct Answer: Feel free to reply with your answer so you remember what you chose! Weβll share the correct one next time (and give you the why so you can learn something new).
For credentialed or diploma clinicians who refer the most colleagues during launch month. Just forward the quiz or invite them using our form. β π McKenzie Book Spot Prizesβ We will also be giving away a few books as spot prizes.
*Prizes to be drawn on the 2nd of June, 2025. Terms and conditions here.
β