Is It Really Sciatica? Why Not All Lower Back Pain Is What You Think

"I think it’s sciatica..."

If you’ve ever Googled your symptoms after feeling sharp pain in your lower back or leg, you’ve probably come across the word sciatica. It’s a term many patients use when describing lower back or leg pain — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Let’s explore what sciatica actually is, what it isn’t, and how chiropractic care may help assess what’s going on.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through the hips and down each leg. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it may lead to:

• Sharp, shooting discomfort down one leg

• Numbness or tingling sensations

• Weakness in the leg or foot

• Discomfort that worsens with certain movements like sitting, bending, or coughing

Sciatica often affects one side of the body and can range from mild irritation to more noticeable discomfort.

Not All Lower Back Pain is Sciatica

It’s common for people to associate any lower back or hip pain with sciatica. However, several other conditions can cause similar symptoms, such as:

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

• Piriformis muscle tension

• Lumbar disc bulges that don’t directly compress nerves

• Muscle strain or soft tissue tension

• Facet joint irritation in the lower back

While these conditions may cause radiating or localized discomfort, they are distinct from true sciatica.

Why Proper Assessment Matters

Self-diagnosing back pain can sometimes lead to:

• Focusing on stretches or exercises that may not address the underlying issue

• Delaying care that could provide support

• Over-relying on temporary symptom relief methods

• Overlooking musculoskeletal factors like joint misalignments or movement restrictions

A thorough chiropractic assessment can help determine if your discomfort may be related to spinal alignment, joint function, or nerve irritation.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Stallaert Chiropractic, we start with a complete evaluation, including:

• Discussing your history and symptoms in detail

• Performing a spinal and neurological assessment

• Using digital X-rays, if clinically indicated, to assess alignment and joint health

• Developing a personalized care plan based on your unique situation and goals

Chiropractic adjustments are designed to:

• Improve joint alignment and mobility

• Help reduce mechanical pressure on irritated nerves

• Support better movement patterns and posture

• Contribute to overall function and musculoskeletal balance

(Individual experiences may vary.)

The Takeaway

If you’ve been dealing with persistent lower back discomfort, shooting leg pain, or numbness, it’s important to get a professional assessment rather than guessing at the cause.

Chiropractic care focuses on evaluating musculoskeletal factors that may contribute to these types of discomfort. Early assessment can help you understand what’s going on and guide you toward appropriate care strategies.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Dr. Scott has been helping patients in London, Ontario assess and manage musculoskeletal concerns like lower back pain and nerve-related discomfort for over 16 years.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding, we’re here to help.

Book Now