Sciatica Diagnosis Checklist

Directions:

Use this checklist to follow along with the self-diagnosis videos.

If any of the demographic information fits you or your symptoms place a check
mark next to it in the box.

Also place a check mark next to all positive self-tests.

After performing all tests tally up the check marks for each cause of sciatica,
whichever has the most points is likely your cause of sciatica.

1. Spinal Stenosis, Arthritis, or Disc Degeneration

Demographics:
Typically in the older population (age >50)
Decreased pain with sitting and bending forward
Increased pain with standing, walking, and bending backwards
Leaning on shopping cart at the grocery store
Stiffness in the mornings (especially when getting out of bed)

Self-Testing:

Repeated Movement Testing

Backward Bending 5 times:

Positive: Increased pain, numbness of tingling down the leg

Forward Bending 5 times:

Positive: Decreased pain, numbness of tingling down the leg

Overview: If you are >50 years old, have decreased pain with bending forward, and
have increased pain with bending backwards, your symptoms are likely coming
from spinal stenosis.

Total Check marks for Stenosis, Arthritis, or Disc Degeneration:

2. Herniated Disc

Demographics:
Generally in younger population (Age <40; most common 30-40)
Symptoms worse with sitting, driving, and bending forward
Can get increased pain when coughing and sneezing

In extreme cases, can see weakness in affected leg and foot drop
Symptoms usually decrease when lying on stomach, standing, walking,
and bending backwards

Self-Testing:
Straight Leg Raise Test

Positive result: increased pain in lower back and leg

Slump Test

Positive result: increased pain in lower back and leg

Repeated Movement Testing

Forward Bending 5 times:

Positive: Increased pain, numbness of tingling down the leg

Backward Bending 5 times:

Positive: Decreased pain, numbness of tingling down the leg

Overview: If you are younger than 40, have increased pain with bending forward,
decreased pain with bending backwards, and had a positive slump and straight leg
tests, your symptoms are likely coming from a herniated disc.

Total Check marks for Herniated Disc:

3. SI Joint/Pelvic Dysfunction

Demographics:
More common in women, especially post-partum
No pain past the knee, pain in the front of the leg wrapping around to the
groin
Can present as hip pain as well
Pain with crossing legs
Transitional movements are painful such as getting up from a chair,
getting in and out of the car, and rolling over in bed

Self-Testing:

Active Straight Leg Raise

Positive result: Increased pain and weakness with affected leg

FABER Test

Positive result: increase in pain in the groin region or in the

lower back

Overview: If you are not having any sciatica pain past your knee, experience pain
with transitional movements such as getting in and out of the car and rolling over
in bed, and have positive findings with the active straight leg raise and FABER
tests, your sciatica is likely coming from an SI joint or pelvic problem.

Total Check marks for SI Joint/Pelivc Problem: