Abstract
Functional distribution of lumbar nerve roots Nerve root Muscle weakness Reflex changes Sensation L2 Hip flexion - Front of thigh - Hip adduction - - L3 Knee extension Knee Inner knee L4 Knee extension Knee Inner shin - Foot dorsiflexion - - L5 Foot inversion - Outer shin - Great toe dorsiflexion - Dorsum of foot - Knee flexion - - S1 Foot plantar flexion Ankle Lateral border of - Knee flexion - foot and sole Systemic back pain As well as back pain, there may be associated systemic features such as weight loss, pyrexia, and general malaise. Common predisposing factors for postural back pain Postural fault Cause Flat lordosis Seating-car seats, low sofas and armchairs - Beds-old, soft beds - Household tasks-ironing, vacuuming, low work surfaces - Bending-gardening, poor lifting technique Exaggerated lordosis Footwear-high heeled shoes Scoliosis Unequal leg length-congenital, old leg fracture, running on cambered roads Postural pain Bad posture is probably the commonest cause of persistent back pain.