Sciatica vs. Lower Back Pain: How to Tell the Difference

ByKihyon Sohn

Lower back discomfort is common, but not all back pain is the same. Many people in Beaverton wonder whether their symptoms are simple muscular strain or true sciatic nerve irritation. Understanding the difference can help guide appropriate care.

What Is General Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain often stays localized in the lumbar region. It may feel:

  • Achy or stiff
  • Worse with certain movements
  • Tight after long periods of sitting
  • Tender to the touch

Muscle strain, ligament tension, or joint irritation are common contributors. In many cases, symptoms improve with rest and gradual movement.

If your discomfort remains mostly in the lower back area without radiating down the leg, it may not involve the sciatic nerve.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. Unlike typical back pain, sciatica usually includes symptoms that travel beyond the lower back.

Common sciatic symptoms include:

  • Pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg
  • Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
  • Numbness in part of the leg or foot
  • Sharp, electric-like pain when standing or walking

Pain often affects one side of the body.

If these symptoms sound familiar, you can learn more about options for sciatica treatment in Beaverton.

Key Differences at a Glance

Lower Back Pain

  • Localized to lumbar region
  • Often muscular
  • Improves with stretching or rest
  • Rarely causes leg numbness

Sciatica

  • Radiates down one leg
  • May include numbness or tingling
  • Often worsens with prolonged sitting
  • Related to nerve irritation

Why the Distinction Matters

Treatment approaches differ depending on whether pain is muscular or nerve-related. Sciatic nerve irritation may require a more targeted strategy to reduce pressure along the nerve pathway.

If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, a careful assessment can help determine whether your discomfort aligns more closely with muscular back strain or nerve involvement.

You may also wish to review our overview of what causes sciatica to understand underlying triggers.

Can Acupuncture Help Both?

Acupuncture may support circulation and muscular balance in cases of general back tension. When nerve irritation is present, treatment is adjusted to focus on calming the affected pathway and surrounding musculature.

At our Beaverton clinic, care is individualized based on symptom presentation and sensitivity.

For a broader look at musculoskeletal concerns, visit our Pain & Musculoskeletal treatment page.

If you are experiencing persistent leg pain or lower back discomfort and are unsure which category your symptoms fall into, learn more about our approach to sciatica treatment in Beaverton and schedule a consultation for individualized evaluation.

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