Most lumbar pain don't need imaging. Here’s a 5-minute triage flow.
A clinically structured, evidence-informed checklist that helps primary-care physicians quickly rule out red flags, identify mechanical patterns, and reassure patients with confidence — without ordering unnecessary imaging.
“Instant PDF. Evidence-based. No spam. – ever”
Don't just take our word for it
What doctor's say!
- Mohammad ensures that his patients understand the physiology of the presenting problem…thus improving the retention of the prescribed treatment.
He is a knowledgeable diagnostic clinician. Whose dynamic personality contribute to the energy of each encounter.
I recommend most highly-he is the best.”
Lumbar MVMT Assessment
Clinical Markers
Range of motion
Tells us how patients spine loads and moves during daily activities, highlighting any MVMT restrictions or imbalances
Directional MVMT Patterns
McKenzie's repeated MVMTs that mimic demands of daily life can either facilitate or hinder a patient's progress, affecting their ability to recover and maintain long-term health.
Hip Mobility
Limited hip mobility means the spine takes on extra stress it wasn't built for - often leading to pain or dysfunction from daily activity.
Straight Leg Raise
Hamstring stretch sensation might actually be sciatic nerve tension - know when it's functional load and when it's a red flag.
SI-Joint Cluster test
Patients present with pain at or near the area of the SI-joint - but is it the true source or just part of a referral pattern?
Lumbar Scan
A clear, targeted scan that identifies nerve issues helps patient's feel their exam is complete - without adding extra time or steps.
(4 Steps)
How it works
Step 1: Screen
Use the checklist to identify mechanical pattern vs escalation needs.
Step 2: Refer
Send referral note to clinic of choice (or patient can book directly).
Step 3 — ASSESS + PLAN
We complete a structured lumbar assessment and create a plan of care.
Closed-loop update
If requested, we send a brief update back to your office after the initial visits.
When imaging may not change management*
MRI can identify anatomy — but not pain generators.
This is why MVMT assessment outperforms imaging when determining:
Directional loading tolerance
Functional MVMT patterns
Hip-spine interaction
Neural tension and sensitization
Load transfer issues
A 5-minute clinical scan can reveal what imaging often can’t show.
*Imaging remains appropriate when red flags are present or when symptoms are progressive.
“Instant PDF. Evidence-based. No spam. – Ever”
Trusted by clinicians who want accuracy without over-imaging
MRI Asymptomatic Findings are common
Degenerative Disc Disease*
Hip Pathology**
Disc Herniation*
* Brinjikji, W., Luetmer, P. H., Comstock, B., Bresnahan, B. W., Chen, L. E., Deyo, R. A., … & Jarvik, J. G. (2015). Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. American journal of neuroradiology, 36(4), 811-816.
** Register, B., Pennock, A. T., Ho, C. P., Strickland, C. D., Lawand, A., & Philippon, M. J. (2012). Prevalence of abnormal hip findings in asymptomatic participants: a prospective, blinded study. The American journal of sports medicine, 40(12), 2720-2724.
“Instant PDF. Evidence-based. No spam. -Ever”
Diagnose the Circuit, Not the Symptom
Most back pain is mechanical — not structural.
But symptoms can be misleading.
Think of pain like a light bulb turning on — it tells you there’s a problem, but not necessarily where the problem is coming from. It might be the bulb, the switch, or the wiring. That’s why MVMT testing matters: mechanical pain shows up in predictable patterns and reacts to load changes.
This checklist helps physicians quickly identify:
- Directional intolerance (flexion / extension)
- Load intolerance / instability patterns
- Neural tension patterns
- Hip-spine mismatch
- Clear red flags requiring imaging
In 5 minutes!
Outcome: It helps quickly clarify the driver of pain — not just the location of symptoms.
Who is Mohammad
Founder of MVMT Kinetic • Physiotherapist • AiM Lab Expert
Pilot-style Lumbar Checklist
Lunch & Learn
A practical session for physicians teams on lumbar triage and mechanical pattern recognition — plus the easiest referral templates your clinic can use immediately.
Prefer email manually?
Send to: partners@mvmtkinetic.com with subject line: LUNCH