Sciatica is the name given to the irritation of the sciatic nerve and whilst we can test if the nerve is irritated, it’s important to note this is not a diagnosis of what is causing sciatic nerve irritation, if you have any pain from this test you need to talk to an osteopath or your health care professional.

The test is called a slump test, a commonly used clinical assessment used to evaluate the presence of neural tension, particularly in cases of sciatica. This is a step-by-step instructional sequence for performing the slump test, which can effectively assess for signs of nerve root irritation or compression.

Clinically there are additional ques and assistance from the therapist but it’s a good indicator. Do note not all pain in the leg is sciatica despite what Google or your friends may say.

Equipment Needed

• A chair

Preparation

1. Positioning: sit on the edge of the chair with your feet on the floor. Ensure you are comfortable and relaxed.

Test Procedure

1. Initial Position: be sit upright with your hands resting on your thighs.
2. Slump Position:
• Slump you shoulders forward while keeping your head in a neutral position.
• Round your back, bringing their chin towards their chest.
3. Leg Extension:
• Next while maintaining the slump position, extend one leg straight out in front of them, keeping the knee straight.
• Observe for any signs of discomfort or pain during this movement.
4. Neck Position:
• Ask the patient to look towards the floor while maintaining the leg extension.
• This position increases tension on the sciatic nerve.
5. Assessment of Symptoms:
• Ask the patient if they experience any pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, or down the leg during the test.
• Note the level of discomfort and any specific areas of pain.

Interpretation of Results

• Positive Test: If pain or discomfort in the lower back or down the leg during the leg extension or neck movement, this may indicate neural tension or sciatica.
• Negative Test: If there is no pain or discomfort reported, the test is considered negative for sciatica.

Conclusion

The slump test is a valuable tool for assessing sciatica and neural tension however, it is an indicator but with proper assessment and interpretation can help in diagnosing and developing treatment plans for patients experiencing sciatic symptoms.

If any adverse reactions are experienced then these need to be investigated.