"I have sciatica."
We hear that almost every day.
But here's something that surprises many people:
Sciatica isn't actually a diagnosis.
It's a symptom.
The word "sciatica" simply describes pain, numbness, tingling, or burning that follows the path of the sciatic nerve.
The real question isn't:
"Do I have sciatica?"
The better question is:
"Why is my sciatic nerve being irritated?"
Because the answer determines what treatment is most likely to help.
Not All Sciatica Comes From Your Back
Many people assume that pain running down the leg automatically means they have a herniated disc.
Sometimes that's true.
But not always.
At Connect Rehab Chiropractic & Performance, we commonly see three different causes of sciatica-like symptoms.
1. True Sciatica
This is what most people think of.
A disc in the lower back irritates one of the nerve roots that eventually forms the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms often include:
- Pain traveling below the knee
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that changes with certain back movements
Because the problem begins in the spine, treatment often focuses on reducing irritation around the affected nerve.
2. Peripheral Nerve Entrapment
Sometimes the sciatic nerve is irritated after it leaves the spine.
One common location is around the piriformis muscle in the hip.
The symptoms can feel almost identical to disc-related sciatica, including:
- Pain into the buttock
- Tingling down the leg
- Pain with sitting
- Discomfort during walking or exercise
The difference?
The source of irritation is completely different.
Which means the treatment should be different too.
3. Pseudosciatica
Not every pain running down the outside of the leg is actually coming from the sciatic nerve.
Sometimes tight or overloaded tissues—such as the muscles and connective tissue along the outside of the hip and thigh—can create symptoms that closely resemble sciatica.
People often assume it's a nerve problem when the real issue may be muscular or movement-related.
Again…
The treatment changes depending on what's actually causing the symptoms.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
This is where many people get stuck.
They search YouTube.
They find a list of "sciatica stretches."
They try exercises they found online.
Sometimes they even feel a little better.
But the pain keeps coming back.
Why?
Because the exercises weren't designed for their problem.
If the source of your symptoms isn't the same as the person in the video, there's a good chance the treatment shouldn't be the same either.
That's why understanding the root cause matters so much.
The Connect Approach
At Connect Rehab Chiropractic & Performance, we don't assume every case of sciatica is the same.
We evaluate how your entire body moves, assess where the irritation is actually coming from, and build a plan that's specific to your body—not just your symptoms.
Because treating the right problem gives you the best chance of getting lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sciatica come from my hip instead of my back?
Yes. In some cases, the sciatic nerve can become irritated outside the spine, creating symptoms that feel very similar to disc-related sciatica.
Why do my symptoms keep coming back?
Recurring symptoms often mean the underlying cause hasn't been identified or addressed. Treating symptoms alone doesn't always solve the problem.
Should everyone with sciatica do the same stretches?
No. The right exercises depend on what's causing the irritation. The wrong exercises may be ineffective—or even aggravate symptoms.
How do I know which type of sciatica I have?
A thorough evaluation is the best way to determine where your symptoms are coming from and what treatment approach makes the most sense.
Stop Guessing. Start Understanding.
If you've been told you have sciatica but still aren't sure what's actually causing your pain, you're not alone.
Understanding why your symptoms are happening is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
Because not all sciatica is the same.
And your recovery shouldn't be treated like it is.
Join us for our upcoming Sciatica Workshop or schedule a Discovery Visit to learn what's really causing your symptoms and what your next step should be.
Aaron Gootzeit
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