Neurodynamics

In 1864, Lasegue first described the straight leg raise test (SLR) as an assessment for lower back problems with nerve involvement (Butler 1991). This concept was further developed by Goddard and Reid in 1965 who described the SLR as movement of the sciatic nerve. Also, in the 1960s Alf Breig investigated the biomechanics of the nervous system in more detail and showed that nerves move independently from other tissues. This formed the basis of the concept of ‘neurodynamics’. Earlier terms for this concept were ‘neural tension’ (Breig 1978) or ‘adverse mechanical tension of the nervous system’ (Butler 1989). However, the actual term ‘neurodynamics’ was first introduced by Gifford in 1989. The concept of neurodynamics has been further developed by Grieve, Butler, Maitland and Shacklock over the last 30 years. Nowadays, although neurodynamics remains a relatively new concept within musculoskeletal clinical assessments, it is becoming more widely used and accepted as an important aspect for injury assessment and treatment.