The Stork Standing Extension Test is used to identify which symptom?

• A. Disc herniation
• B. SI joint dysfunction
• C. Pain in the back
• D. Sciatic nerve irritation/compression

Answer: (C)

The Stork Standing Extension Test stresses the lumbar spine’s posterior elements by having the person stand on one leg and extend the trunk. If there is a pars interarticularis defect (spondylolysis), this loaded position reproduces localized pain in the lower back, so the test serves to identify back pain related to a defect in the pars region rather than nerve-root–related symptoms.

Disc herniation typically causes radicular leg pain or numbness rather than isolated low back pain. Sciatic nerve irritation or compression produces leg symptoms that follow the sciatic distribution, not just back pain. SI joint dysfunction usually presents with pain around the sacroiliac region and may be provoked by movements or stresses specific to the pelvis, not a focused back-pain reproduction from trunk extension on one leg. Therefore, the test best indicates pain in the back.