What is the main outcome desired from performing the McKenzie Side Glide test?

The McKenzie Side Glide test, also known as the lateral glide test, is primarily designed to identify the influence of lateralization on a patient's symptoms. The focus of this test is to assess how the patient's symptoms are affected by differing positions or movements of the spine. By performing this test, the clinician can determine the cause of spinal symptoms, particularly in identifying whether the symptoms are related to specific movements or postures.

When conducting the test, a clinician observes the patient's reaction to a lateral glide maneuver, which can reveal information about nerve root involvement or symptomatic sources. This information can guide treatment options and help clarify the nature of the patient's presentation. By pinpointing the symptomatic responses during the test, it allows for a more tailored and effective rehabilitation strategy.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary intent of the McKenzie Side Glide test. While alleviating pain (the first option) might be a secondary effect of understanding the symptoms, it is not the primary goal. Similarly, while the test may contribute to diagnosing spinal conditions (the second option), its main function is to evaluate the symptoms rather than provide a definitive diagnosis. Regarding treatment effectiveness (the fourth option), although results from this test can inform treatment choices, they are not aimed directly at assessing treatment