Sacral Somatic Dysfunctions

Question 1

Craniosacral extension causes

Answer 1

nutation of the sacral base: base moves anteriorly and the apex moves posteriorly

Question 2

Craniosacral flexion causes

Answer 2

counternutation of the sacral base: base moves posteriorly and the apex moves anteriorly

Question 3

sphenobasilar extension

Answer 3

causes counternutation

Question 4

Seated flexion test

Answer 4

contact both PSIS, have patient bend forward from a seated position

whichever psis moves first/farthest indiciates the positive side

side of laterality of this test helps decided the laterality of the diagnosis

Question 5

Lumbar spring test

Answer 5

patient is prone
anteriorly directed force at the lumbosacral junction

hard end feel indicates sacrum is posterior, thus a positive test

no hard end feel indicates part of the sacrum is sitting anteriorly and thus is a negative test

movement = -test, or sacrum is forward
no movement =+test

Question 6

four digit contact

Answer 6

contact each sulci and ILA and feel which feels most deep or shallow (for sacral sulci) and which feels most anterior/superior or posterior/inferior

Question 7

four digit passive passive evaluation

Answer 7

contact one sacral sulcus and the ILA on the contralateral side of the body.

perform a load and spring force around the oblique axis

perform bilaterally to determine which axis has more ease of motion

Question 8

respiratory motion

Answer 8

place cephalad hand over sacrum with thenar and hypothenar eminence

place the other hand on top of cephalad hand facing the opposite direction

sacral base should move posteriorly during inhalation and anteriorly during exhalation

Question 9

side bending passive evaluation

Answer 9

place palms of the ILA and fingertips toward the sacral sulci

direct a cephalad hand from the ILAs

determines ease or restriction of side bending