The Straight Leg Raise test is commonly associated with tension of which nerve roots?

• A. C6-C7
• B. S2-S3
• C. L5-S1
• D. L1-L2

Answer: (C)

The test is about assessing neural tension in the lower lumbosacral nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve. As you straighten the knee and lift the leg, you place traction on the nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal, most notably the L5–S1 roots. Those roots are the ones most commonly involved in disc-related radiculopathy, so the straight leg raise is classically associated with tension at L5–S1. A positive result typically reproduces radicular symptoms in the leg’s posterior or lateral aspect, often extending down toward the calf or foot. If symptoms occur earlier in the motion or in a non-dermatomal pattern, it can point to other issues like hamstring tightness or a different level of involvement, but the hallmark association remains with the L5–S1 nerve roots.