The Hidden Truth Behind Sciatica – Not What You Think

Have you been told you’ve got sciatica because your leg hurts?

Well… maybe. But maybe not.

Understanding the basics

Pain running from your hip, down the side of your thigh, and then to your shin might sound like sciatica — but it’s crossing more than one nerve pathway. In most cases, sciatica involves the sciatic nerve only, which runs from the lower back down the back of the leg. For that many nerve areas to be involved, you’d usually expect a significant injury — such as from a high-impact event — rather than day-to-day strain.

A quick self-check

While only a qualified health professional can diagnose your condition, there are some general differences between nerve and muscle pain:

• If it feels more like a muscle cramp or deep ache, it may be related to the muscles rather than the nerves.

• Pain that does not extend below the knee is less likely to be related to the sciatic nerve.

Other possible causes of similar pain

Discomfort often described as “sciatica” can sometimes be linked to other factors, such as:

• Tension in the gluteal muscles (buttocks)

• Tightness in the calves

• Subtle changes in hip alignment

• Muscle weakness in the inner thighs can affect overall balance and movement patterns

What true sciatica looks like

True sciatic nerve irritation can be caused by a range of conditions, such as a disc injury or narrowing of the spinal canal. In many cases, symptoms can improve over time, and healthcare professionals may suggest approaches to help manage pain, support mobility, and promote recovery.

The encouraging part

The positive news is that pain in the leg or lower back isn’t always due to sciatica — and understanding the underlying cause is key to finding the right approach. With the right assessment, many people find strategies to help them manage their symptoms effectively.

Next steps

If your back or leg pain has been hanging around and you’re unsure of the cause, our registered osteopaths at ReachHealth can assess your condition and discuss options that may help you.

📅 Book an appointment online at ReachHealth.com.au