Pain that starts in the lower back or hip and travels down the leg is referred to as sciatica.
While sciatica is common, it is not the only cause of leg pain. Several conditions can feel very similar, and knowing the difference helps guide the right treatment.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is nerve pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, usually where the nerves exit the lower spine. People with true sciatica often describe:
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain down one leg
Tingling or numbness
Weakness in the leg or foot
The most common cause is the disc placing pressure on a nerve.
When It Is Not Sciatica
Many patients have sciatica-like pain without true nerve compression. Common causes
include:
Tight or irritated hip and gluteal muscles
Sacroiliac joint or lumbar joint irritation
Hip conditions
Irritated nerves outside the spine
These problems often cause aching or deep pain and usually do not lead to true nerve damage.
How We Figure Out the Source of Pain
A chiropractic exam looks beyond the symptom and focuses on how the spine and joints are moving. This may include:
Observing which movements increase or reduce symptoms
Identifying muscle tension and movement restrictions
Checking spinal and pelvic joint motion
Testing strength, reflexes, and sensation
This helps determine whether pain is coming from a nerve, a joint, or surrounding muscles.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Evidence shows many people improve with conservative, hands-on care. Chiropractic treatment may include:
Spinal and pelvic adjustments to improve joint motion
Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension
Guided exercises to improve mobility and strength
Education on posture, movement, and daily activities
Most patients improve without the need for other interventions when care is tailored to the true cause. Not all leg pain is sciatica. An accurate diagnosis matters. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring movement, reducing nerve irritation, and helping the body move and function optimally.
