Magnuson's test is defined as nonreproducible localization of tenderness in the neck or low back. If pain moves to various sites during the examination, it is nonanatomic pain. Axial loading Axial loading involves pressing down on the top of the head of a standing patient. This maneuver should not produce low back pain. If pain is reported, it is a behavioral sign.
Simulated rotation is a simple test performed in a standing patient.
When the shoulders and pelvis are rotated in unison, the structures in the back are not stressed. If the patient reports back pain with this rotation, the test is considered positive for a nonorganic source of the patient's complaints. In the standard straight-leg raise test, the patient is recumbent and aware of the test being performed. In contrast, a distracted straight-leg raise test is performed anytime the hip is flexed with the knee straight. The standard straight-leg raise test works because the sciatic nerve runs behind the axis of rotation of the hip.