Can Sciatica Cause Leg Pain?
Sciatica is a common condition that can cause a surprising array of symptoms — and not all of them originate in the back. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained leg pain, your sciatic nerve could be the culprit.
At Spinal Diagnostics, we specialize in pinpointing the cause of pain and tailoring a treatment plan that works for you. Here’s what you should know about the link between sciatica and leg pain.
What is sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and legs. Sciatica occurs when this nerve is compressed, pinched, or irritated, typically due to conditions like:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Pregnancy-related changes
The result is inflammation or pressure on the nerve, which can cause pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down the leg — a hallmark sign of sciatica.
How sciatica affects your leg
When your sciatic nerve is irritated, you may feel pain anywhere along its path — often most noticeable in the leg. The pain can vary widely in sensation and intensity, including:
- Shooting or burning pain in one leg
- Sharp pain when standing up or walking
- Weakness or difficulty moving the leg or foot
- Numbness or tingling
In some cases, leg pain may be the only symptom of sciatica, even if your back feels fine. This is known as “sciatica without back pain.”
Getting the right diagnosis
Because leg pain can result from many different conditions — from muscle strains to circulation problems — an accurate diagnosis is key. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and a detailed exam to confirm whether your pain is nerve-related.
Once we understand the root cause, we create a personalized plan to relieve your pain and restore your function.
Sciatica treatment options
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and their underlying cause. At Spinal Diagnostics, we offer a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments, including:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural steroid injections
- Radiofrequency neuroablation
- Neuromodulation therapies
In many cases, sciatica resolves with time and conservative care. For more persistent or severe pain, we may recommend additional interventions to help you find lasting relief.
If you’re experiencing leg pain that might be linked to sciatica, contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.