National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

The combination of which movements places the most weight on the left lumbar facet joints during back evaluation?

1. Flexion and right rotation

2. Extension and left lateral flexion

3. Extension, left lateral flexion, and left rotation

4. Flexion and left lateral flexion

The correct answer is: Extension, left lateral flexion, and left rotation

The combination of extension, left lateral flexion, and left rotation places the most weight on the left lumbar facet joints during back evaluation due to the mechanics of spinal movement. When the spine is extended, the intervertebral discs are compressed, and the facet joints come into closer proximity. Left lateral flexion further engages the left facet joints by shifting the load towards them, effectively increasing the shear and compressive forces on the left side. Adding left rotation to this movement intensifies the stabilizing and loading effect on those same joints, as rotation along with lateral flexion directs the additional forces toward the left facet joints. This combined motion creates significant stress, particularly on the left lumbar facets, which can have implications for clinical assessments and interventions in chiropractic practice. Understanding the dynamics of these movements can help practitioners evaluate conditions related to facet joint dysfunction more accurately and develop appropriate treatment strategies.