Do You Have Sciatica or a Disc Herniation/Bulge?

At Life Wellness Center in Lakeville, we understand that understanding the differences between sciatic and disc herniation can be confusing. That’s why, as your wellness center and physical therapy center, our chiropractors are here to help explain the difference between these two commonly confused conditions. Learn more, and request a free consultation today! 

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition caused by compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This can result in pain that radiates through one’s lower back, buttocks, and legs. The severity of this pain can vary greatly; some may experience a mild ache while others may suffer from shooting or burning sensations in their legs.

What is Disc Herniation?

Disc herniation is a condition caused by a bulging or herniated disc. This occurs when the discs between your vertebrae become damaged and compressed, causing them to lose their normal shape and position in your spine. As a result, pressure and pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, and legs — similar to sciatica.

How to Differentiate Between Sciatic and Disc Herniation?

While the symptoms of sciatica and disc herniation may be similar, there are some key differences that can help you diagnose which condition your body is experiencing. For instance, pain from a herniated disc tends to worsen when standing up, while sciatica pain can become worse when sitting down. Additionally, the location of your pain may also help you differentiate between the two conditions. Pain from a herniated disc usually affects one side of the lower back, while sciatica tends to cause more widespread pain throughout both sides of the legs.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Lakeville Wellness Center

At Life Wellness Center, our chiropractors are here to help you with your wellness journey. We can identify and treat both sciatica and disc herniation using a variety of physical therapy and chiropractic methods. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find relief from your pain and discomfort.

Free Consultation