Reviewed by the Functional Chiropractic team · 2026
“Sciatica” describes pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, usually from the low back or buttock down the leg. It's a symptom, not a diagnosis, and it can have more than one cause. Two of the most common are irritation of a nerve root in the lower back and irritation of that same nerve by a tight piriformis muscle deep in the buttock.
They can feel similar, which is why guessing rarely helps. But a few things you can notice about your pain, where it starts, what makes it worse, and whether your back is involved, can point toward the more likely source and help you decide what to do next.
What to check before you call
Where does the pain start?
Low-back-driven sciatica often begins in the back or buttock and travels below the knee. Piriformis-related pain tends to center in the buttock and may not travel as far down the leg.
What makes it worse?
Nerve-root irritation is often aggravated by sitting, bending forward, coughing, or sneezing. Piriformis pain frequently worsens with prolonged sitting or direct pressure on the buttock.
Is your back involved?
Back pain alongside the leg symptoms points more toward a spinal source. Buttock-and-leg symptoms with a comfortable back lean more toward the muscle.
Any numbness, tingling, or weakness?
Pins-and-needles or weakness in the leg or foot are worth noting. They help a clinician localize where the nerve is being irritated.
Get care promptly if
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs, seek urgent medical care
- Progressive or significant weakness in the leg or foot
- Pain that began after a fall, accident, or injury
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain that's worse at night
- Leg pain that isn't improving after a couple of weeks of gentle care
How we help
At Functional Chiropractic we start by listening and examining, not guessing. We look at how your low back, pelvis, and hip move together, check the nerve signs, and use imaging only if it will change your care. From there we explain what's most likely driving your symptoms and build a gentle, specific plan around it.