04/25/2025
⚡️Sciatic pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. And depending on the true source, the treatment plan can look completely different.
Here are the top evidence-backed causes of sciatic pain you should know : 1️⃣Herniated or Bulging Disc
Most common in adults 30–50
💥 Pain may radiate from the low back to the foot, with numbness or weakness
✅ Responds well to conservative care, decompression, and targeted rehab
2️⃣ Piriformis Syndrome
🧠 In some people, the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle
📚 Studies suggest up to 6–8% of sciatica cases may stem from this muscular compression
💥 Pain often starts in the glute, worsens with sitting, and may not involve back pain
✅ Responds to myofascial work, glute strengthening, and mobility drills
3️⃣ Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
🧠 More common in adults 50+
📚 Stenosis = narrowing of the spinal canal, which can irritate spinal nerves
💥pain worsens with walking or standing, improves when sitting or leaning forward
✅ Flexion-based rehab and conservative management can often delay or avoid surgery
4️⃣ Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
🧠 Often misdiagnosed as disc-related sciatica
📚 SI joint issues can refer pain down the leg, especially in postpartum patients or those with hypermobility
💥 Pain is deep in the low back or buttock, often one-sided
✅ Corrective exercises + joint stabilization can bring relief
5️⃣ Trigger Points + Referral Pain
🧠 Myofascial trigger points in the glutes, hamstrings, or QL can mimic sciatica
📚 Studies show referred pain from trigger points often follows predictable nerve-like patterns
💥 Pain feels “nerve-like” but is actually muscular in origin
✅ Dry needling, shockwave therapy, and manual release often help
If you’ve been treating your sciatica for months with no results, the actual cause may have been missed. A comprehensive assessment is key.
📍Alluvium Chiropractic specializes in finding the true source of sciatic pain — and creating a customized plan to fix it at the root.
