Low back pain often results from problems with the discs, facet joints, muscles, or sacroiliac joints, with the discs and facet joints being the most common sources. Identifying the exact structure involved is essential for effective treatment.
Disc-Related Low Back Pain
Disc-related problems are more common in people under the age of 50. This type of pain is often felt as a centralised ache in the lower back and may radiate into one or both legs.
If your pain worsens when coughing or sneezing, this can strongly suggest disc involvement. Disc pain may feel worse when standing up from sitting, but it often improves with walking.
Facet Joint Pain
Facet joint pain often presents as a localised ache in the lower back and may feel worse with standing, arching backward, or twisting movements. Symptoms commonly improve with sitting or gentle walking, which helps distinguish facet joint pain from disc-related conditions.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
Pain arising from the sacroiliac joints can worsen when staying in one position for too long or during walking. Similar to disc-related pain, SI joint discomfort may intensify when standing up from a seated position.
Sciatica and Nerve-Related Pain
Sciatica refers to leg pain caused by irritation of spinal or pelvic structures, such as the discs, sacroiliac joint, or piriformis muscle.
When nerves are involved, symptoms may include pain radiating down the leg, numbness or tingling, or muscle weakness. These signs suggest nerve irritation or compression and require careful assessment.
Sciatica – Frequently Asked Questions
What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that travels from the lower back or pelvis into the buttock and down the leg. It is caused by irritation or compression of nerves in the lower spine or pelvic region.
What does sciatica feel like?
Sciatic pain may feel sharp, burning, aching, or electric in nature. Some people also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. Symptoms can vary depending on which nerve structures are involved.
Is sciatica always caused by a disc problem?
No. While disc-related issues are a common cause, sciatica can also arise from facet joints, the sacroiliac joint, muscle tension (such as the piriformis muscle), or joint dysfunction in the pelvis or spine. A thorough assessment is required to determine the source.
Should I get an MRI for sciatica?
Not always. Many cases of sciatica can be assessed clinically without immediate imaging. MRI scans are usually recommended only if symptoms are severe, worsening, long-lasting, or associated with significant weakness or neurological changes.
Can sciatica improve with movement?
In many cases, yes. While certain movements may aggravate symptoms, gentle and appropriate movement often helps reduce stiffness and improve function. Your chiropractor can guide you on which movements to avoid and which may be beneficial.
When should sciatica be assessed?
Sciatica should be assessed if pain is persistent, worsening, affecting daily activities, or accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Early assessment helps identify contributing factors and guide appropriate care.
How We Identify the Cause of Your Pain
Your chiropractor will perform a series of specific clinical tests to help identify the source of your pain and determine whether nerves are involved. In more complex cases, referral for imaging such as an MRI scan may be recommended.
If low back pain is limiting your daily activities, a thorough assessment can help identify the structures involved and guide appropriate care.
Lower back pain can also be influenced by pregnancy-related changes—visit our Pregnancy page for further information.
If your lower back pain is related to sport, exercise, or physical activity, you may also find our Sports Injuries page helpful.
Book an appointment today to have your low back pain properly assessed.
