Sciatica or Low Back Pain? How to Tell the Difference

When your lower back starts hurting, it’s easy to assume it’s just regular back pain. But if that pain starts shooting down your leg, you might be dealing with sciatica—and that’s a different story. Let’s clear up the confusion. Understanding the difference between sciatica and low back pain can help you make sense of your symptoms and get the right kind of treatment.

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is any pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the area between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your legs. In most cases, it can be caused by a wide range of issues, including:

Muscle strain or sprain
Poor posture
Sedentary lifestyle
Lifting injuries
Degenerative disc disease
Joint dysfunction

Depending on the cause, pain can feel dull, throbbing, or sharp—and may be constant or come and go. For some people, it feels worse after sitting too long or standing in one position.

Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain:

Aching or stiffness in the lower back
Pain that may improve with movement or stretching
Discomfort when bending, lifting, or twisting
Localized pain (does not travel down the leg)

What Is Sciatica?

Unlike general back pain, sciatica is considered a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is typically caused when the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body—is compressed or irritated. This nerve runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and down each leg.

As a result, sciatica can produce sharp, burning, or electric-like pain that follows the nerve path—usually affecting just one side of the body. Compression may be caused by a herniated disc, tight muscles, or spinal misalignment.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica:

Sharp, burning, or electric-like pain that travels from the lower back to the leg
Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation in the leg or foot
Muscle weakness in one leg
Pain that gets worse with sitting, sneezing, or coughing
Pain typically on one side of the body

In summary, If your discomfort stays in your lower back, it’s likely general low back pain. But if the pain shoots down your leg or is accompanied by tingling or weakness, you may be dealing with sciatica. While the symptoms differ, both conditions can become chronic and more difficult to treat if not addressed early.

Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Whether it’s nerve pain or general tension, chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to manage and resolve the issue. Even mild pain can affect your daily function, sleep quality, and mood over time. Sciatica, in particular, may worsen without early intervention.

Don’t wait until it’s unbearable. The sooner you address the root cause, the faster your recovery.

Chiropractic Treatment for Low Back Pain

Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to restore proper spinal movement, reduce muscle tension, and correct misalignments that may be causing your pain.These techniques are designed to restore movement within the normal range of the joints, helping to reduce pain and improve function. Physical therapists also use some of these manual techniques in their practice.

Benefits of chiropractic treatment for low back pain include:

Improved spinal mobility
Decreased inflammation
Better posture and alignment
Less reliance on pain medications

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

When it comes to sciatica, the main goal is to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and allow it to heal. Chiropractors may use a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and personalized stretching routines. Complementary approaches such as physical therapy and myotherapy are also commonly used to manage sciatic pain and sciatica pain.

Benefits of chiropractic care for sciatica:

Reduces nerve irritation and inflammation
Relieves radiating leg pain
Improves mobility and function
Promotes long-term healing without surgery

Chiropractic care goes beyond short-term relief. With the right combination of hands-on care, lifestyle guidance, and preventive strategies, chiropractic treatment can help you move with confidence, avoid recurring issues, and get back to doing what you love—pain-free.

What to Expect During Your Chiropractic Visit

Assessment:Your chiropractor will ask about your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and conduct tests—such as muscle strength assessments and the straight leg raise test—to help determine whether you’re experiencing low back pain or sciatica.
Personalized Plan: Based on the diagnosis, a treatment plan is created just for you.
Hands-On Care: Chiropractic adjustments are made to target problem areas, reduce pressure on nerves, and improve alignment.
Rehabilitation: You may be given home exercises, stretches, and posture tips to speed up recovery.

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body

Back pain can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the difference between sciatica and back pain, you’ll be better equipped to find the right support. Whether it’s dull pain in your spine or sharp tingling down your leg, don’t wait for things to get worse.

At Intercare, we offer chiropractic care for sciatica and chiropractic treatment for low back pain that’s tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and live pain-free—starting from the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Experiencing back discomfort? Let’s find out what’s really going on and get you back on track.

About Intercare Chiropractic

Intercare Chiropractic is a leader in functional health care in the Philippines, with over 30 years of clinical experience. Our team of experts offers a range of services, including chiropractic consultations, chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, physical therapy, counseling, pre and post natal care, dry needling, nutrition program, and myotherap y, all aimed at improving functional health across all life stages. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to maintain your physical well-being, Intercare creates customized treatments to suit each individual’s needs.

With clinics in prime locations such as BGC, Greenhills, Makati, and Alabang, Intercare is dedicated to making chiropractic care accessible to more people. Our commitment to holistic, personalized care ensures that every patient receives the attention they need to achieve optimal health. To learn more about Intercare Chiropractic and explore the services we offer, visit our website here. Ready to take the next step? Book your appointment at a nearby clinic here. Start your journey toward greater health and improved well-being!

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