That shooting pain down your leg could be sciatica—or something else entirely. Before you spiral into WebMD anxiety, take this 2-minute self-assessment quiz....
That shooting pain down your leg could be sciatica—or something else entirely. Before you spiral into WebMD anxiety, take this 2-minute self-assessment quiz. Answer honestly based on your current symptoms, and get personalized insights about what might be causing your discomfort and what steps to take next.
This quiz is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis. If you’re experiencing severe pain, numbness, or loss of bladder/bowel control, seek immediate medical attention.
Sciatica Self-Assessment Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Understanding Sciatica: What the Quiz Measures
The quiz evaluates your symptoms across three common conditions that cause similar-seeming pain:
True Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back through your buttocks and down each leg—becomes compressed or irritated. Common causes include:
Herniated disc: A bulging spinal disc pressing on nerve roots
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal
Degenerative disc disease: Age-related changes in spinal discs
Spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips over another
Piriformis Syndrome
Often called "pseudo-sciatica," piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle in your buttock tightens or spasms, irritating the sciatic nerve. It's particularly common in people who:
Simple muscle strain or tension can mimic some sciatic symptoms but typically:
Stays localized in the back
Doesn't cause numbness or tingling
Improves within 2-4 weeks
Responds well to rest and stretching
Symptom Comparison Chart
Symptom
True Sciatica
Piriformis
Muscular
Pain radiates past knee
Very common
Sometimes
Rare
Numbness/tingling in foot
Common
Rare
No
Worse with coughing/sneezing
Yes
No
Sometimes
Deep buttock pain
Sometimes
Yes
Sometimes
Worse with prolonged sitting
Yes
Yes
Sometimes
Leg weakness
Possible
Rare
No
Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
Cauda equina syndrome symptoms: Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin/saddle area
Progressive weakness: Increasing difficulty moving your leg or foot
Severe pain after trauma: Following an accident, fall, or injury
Pain with fever: Could indicate infection
Unexplained weight loss: Combined with back pain could indicate serious conditions
The Role of Sitting in Sciatic Pain
Whether your quiz results point to true sciatica, piriformis syndrome, or muscular strain, prolonged sitting likely plays a role. Here's why:
How Sitting Affects the Sciatic Nerve
Disc pressure: Sitting increases pressure on spinal discs by 40% compared to standing
Piriformis compression: Your body weight presses the piriformis muscle against the sciatic nerve
Reduced blood flow: Static sitting decreases circulation to muscles and nerves
Postural stress: Poor sitting posture increases strain on lower back structures
Proper Sitting Position for Sciatic Pain
Maintain lumbar curve: Your lower back should have a gentle inward curve, not flatten
Feet flat on floor: Knees at 90 degrees or slightly higher than hips
Avoid crossing legs: This tilts your pelvis and increases piriformis strain
Take frequent breaks: Stand and move every 20-30 minutes
Use proper support: Lumbar support helps maintain spinal alignment
Support Your Spine While Sitting
Proper lumbar support is essential for managing sciatic symptoms. Our ergonomic pillow maintains your spine's natural curve, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
This quiz is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It helps you understand which condition your symptoms most closely resemble based on common patterns. However, only a healthcare provider can properly diagnose sciatica through physical examination and, if needed, imaging studies. Use these results as information to discuss with your doctor.
Can sciatica go away on its own?
Yes, in many cases. About 80-90% of sciatica cases resolve within 6-12 weeks with conservative treatment (rest, stretching, over-the-counter pain relief, proper posture). However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or include red flag signs like weakness or bladder changes, medical evaluation is essential.
Is it sciatica or just muscle pain?
The key differentiators are: true sciatica typically radiates past the knee, causes numbness or tingling in the foot, and worsens with coughing or sneezing. Muscular pain usually stays in the lower back, doesn't cause neurological symptoms like numbness, and often improves within 2-4 weeks.
Does sitting cause sciatica?
Sitting doesn't directly cause sciatica but can aggravate existing conditions. Prolonged sitting increases disc pressure, compresses the piriformis muscle, and promotes poor posture—all of which can irritate the sciatic nerve. Proper ergonomics and regular movement breaks are essential for prevention and management.
What's the best sleeping position for sciatica?
Most people with sciatica find relief sleeping on their side with a pillow between their knees to keep the spine aligned. Alternatively, sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees can reduce pressure on the lower back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can twist the spine.
