Herniated Disc vs Sciatica: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms herniated disc and sciatica interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you get the right care and lasting relief.

What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through its tougher outer layer. This can irritate or press on nearby nerves, often in the lower back.

What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a condition itself, it’s a symptom. It refers to pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back down the leg. A herniated disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica, but not the only one.

Key Differences

• Herniated disc: a physical problem with the disc itself.

• Sciatica: the nerve pain that may result if the disc (or another issue) compresses the sciatic nerve.

• You can have a herniated disc without sciatica, and sciatica without a herniated disc.

Treatment Options

• Conservative care: rest, posture correction, stretching, and activity modification.

• Chiropractic adjustments: help restore spinal motion, reduce nerve irritation, and promote healing.

• Decompression therapy: relieves pressure on the discs and nerves.

• Medical referral: severe cases with weakness or bladder/bowel changes require urgent medical evaluation.

“The biggest confusion we see is patients thinking sciatica is a diagnosis. It’s really a symptom, and finding the root cause, like a herniated disc, is key to getting relief.” — Dr. Mike Khodorkovsky

FAQs

Is a herniated disc the same as sciatica?
No. A herniated disc is a spinal condition, while sciatica is nerve pain that may result from it.

Can you have sciatica without a herniated disc?
Yes. Sciatica can also be caused by spinal stenosis, arthritis, or muscle tension.

How do I know if my pain is from a herniated disc?
If pain worsens with bending, sitting, or coughing, and sometimes radiates, a disc may be involved.

Can chiropractors treat both sciatica and herniated discs?
Yes. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring alignment, reducing nerve pressure, and supporting healing.

When should I see a doctor immediately?
If you have loss of bladder/bowel control, severe weakness, or sudden worsening pain.