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Slump Self-Check
Also known as slump test, seated nerve glide test.
Checks: Whether the sciatic nerve is sensitive to being put on stretch
What this checks
This checks whether the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of the leg, is sensitive to being lengthened. If gently stretching the nerve reproduces your familiar leg symptoms, that points towards the nerve being involved.
Do not do this test if
you have had a recent significant back injury or fall, any loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, spreading or worsening leg weakness, pins and needles in both legs, or you feel unwell. Seek urgent medical care for any of those - do not use this test.
How to do it
Step 1
Sit tall on the edge of a firm chair
- Sit with the backs of your knees against the chair edge and your hands behind your back.
- Start fully upright.
Step 2
Slump the back and shoulders forward
- Let your lower back and upper back round, sliding the breastbone down.
- Keep your head up and level for now.
Step 3
Straighten one knee
- Slowly straighten the leg on your symptomatic side until you feel a gentle pull.
- Stop at the first pull, do not force it.
Step 4
Pull the foot up towards you
- Bring the toes and foot up towards your shin.
- Note any tightness or symptoms down the back of the leg.
Step 5
Tuck the chin, then lift the head, and compare
- With everything else held still, tuck your chin to your chest, then lift the head back up.
- If leg symptoms ease when you lift the head and return when you tuck it, that change is the response to look for.
- Repeat on the other leg to compare.
What your result means
Likely normal
A negative result usually looks like this.
- You feel a mild, even stretch behind the knee or thigh on both sides.
- Moving the head up and down does not change the feeling in the leg.
- No pins and needles, and no reproduction of your usual leg pain.
Possible problem
A positive result usually looks like this.
- Straightening the knee or lifting the foot reproduces your familiar leg pain, pins and needles or tightness.
- Those symptoms clearly ease when you lift your head and come back when you tuck the chin.
- The symptomatic leg is much tighter or more sensitive than the other.
Tips for a clearer result
Small things that make the test easier to read.
- Move slowly and stop at the first reproduction of your symptoms.
- Change one thing at a time so you can tell what caused the symptom.
- Stop the test if symptoms are strong or slow to settle afterwards.
How to read this
A positive result may point towards sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is being irritated somewhere along its path, but it cannot confirm it - tight hamstrings and other problems can feel similar, and only a hands-on assessment can tell you for sure.
This is a guide, not a diagnosis. It cannot rule a problem in or out - a physiotherapist can. If your symptoms are severe, spreading, or you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Points towards
If your result points to a problem, these condition guides are a good place to start reading.
Reproduced your pain?
A positive result is worth getting looked at. Book an online assessment with an HCPC-registered physiotherapist, wherever you are in the UK.
Book an online assessmentNot sure what your result means?
Get it checked properly
Book an online assessment with an HCPC-registered physiotherapist and get a clear answer and a plan matched to your problem.
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