Not all leg pain is sciatica. Find out how to tell the difference between the condition and referred pain, and how our expert physiotherapy in Newcastle can help.
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or down the leg is often labelled as sciatica. However, that label isn't always accurate, and getting the distinction right matters. Sciatica and referred pain from muscles or joints are different conditions that require different treatment approaches. Getting an accurate diagnosis from the outset is the most important step you can take, which is where our specialist Newcastle physiotherapists can help.
What Is Sciatica?
True sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, most commonly in the lumbar spine. It produces symptoms that travel along the path of the nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg, sometimes reaching the foot. The key characteristics are neurological: a burning, shooting, or electric quality to the pain, combined with tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg. Symptoms are usually one-sided and often worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain movements.
Common causes include a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root, narrowing of the spinal canal, irritation of the facet joints, or compression of the nerve by the piriformis muscle deep in the buttock. Identifying which of these is responsible is essential to choosing the right treatment.
What Is Referred Pain?
Referred pain arises from irritated joints, muscles, or other soft tissues rather than the nerve itself. It can travel into the buttock and upper thigh and may feel deep and aching, but it rarely produces the tingling or numbness associated with nerve involvement, and it typically doesn't extend below the knee. Stiff or inflamed lumbar joints are a common source, as are tight muscles in the hip and gluteal region.
Because referred pain and sciatica can feel similar in the early stages, self-diagnosis is unreliable. If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, get in touch with our Newcastle physiotherapy team for an accurate assessment before assuming what the problem is.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
At Gosforth Physio & Wellness, our physiotherapists carry out a thorough assessment to identify the precise source of your symptoms before any treatment begins. Whether the cause is nerve-related or soft tissue, treatment starts in the very first session and is tailored to your specific presentation, combining manual therapy, nerve mobilisation, soft tissue release, dry needling, and rehabilitation exercises where appropriate.
If pain shooting down your leg is affecting your daily life, contact our experts today to book your assessment.
