At Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance, we frequently see patients who’ve been told they have “sciatica.” But here’s the truth: many people are misdiagnosed, and true sciatica is not as common as it may seem. In this blog, we’ll break down what sciatica really is, how it’s often misunderstood, what the true signs and symptoms are, and how our expert physical therapy team addresses it to get you moving again—pain-free.
Lumbar disc herniation
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Piriformis syndrome (less common)
Spondylolisthesis
The term “sciatica” is frequently used as a catch-all diagnosis for any pain that radiates down the leg. Unfortunately, this leads to confusion—and sometimes the wrong treatment plan.
Not all leg pain is sciatica. In fact, true sciatica involves irritation of the actual sciatic nerve, whereas many patients suffer from referred pain from joints or muscles in the lumbar spine or pelvis. This mislabeling can delay effective treatment and prolong discomfort.
To accurately identify sciatica, we look for these hallmark symptoms:
Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, often below the knee
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Burning or sharp, shooting pain
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
Muscle weakness in the leg or foot (in more severe cases)
Pain limited to the lower back or just the buttock, or pain that changes locations frequently, is less likely to be true sciatica and may indicate a different musculoskeletal issue.
Our approach at Rock Solid PT is thorough, evidence-based, and individualized. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine if your symptoms are due to true sciatic nerve involvement or another condition mimicking sciatica.
Treatment strategies may include:
Manual therapy to improve mobility of the lumbar spine and reduce neural tension
Targeted exercises to centralize symptoms and reduce nerve compression
Postural training and movement re-education to prevent flare-ups
Nerve glides/mobilizations to restore sciatic nerve mobility
Education on activity modification to promote healing without unnecessary rest
Importantly, our goal is not just to relieve symptoms—but to identify and address the root cause of the nerve irritation so you can return to full, pain-free function.
If you’ve been told you have sciatica but your pain isn’t improving—or if you’re unsure what’s really causing your leg or back pain—it’s time to get a clear diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan.
At Rock Solid Physical Therapy and Performance, we’re committed to helping you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free. Our experienced team specializes in resolving conditions like sciatica through hands-on care and customized rehab programs.