Sciatica vs Piriformis Syndrome: How to Identify the Pain and Find Relief with Chiropractic Care

Have you ever experienced a sudden jolt or a persistent deep ache at the back of your thigh and wondered what might be happening? In Australia, musculoskeletal pain of the lower back and legs is far more common than most people realise. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 16 per cent of Australians, roughly one in six, report living with chronic back problems.

Among those, conditions that involve the sciatic nerve, such as sciatica, along with its close relative in symptoms, Piriformis Syndrome, often go unrecognised or misdiagnosed.

While the two conditions can feel very similar, deep gluteal aches, leg-pain, tingling or shooting sensations, they stem from very different sources. Sciatica typically begins with nerve compression in the lower spine, whereas piriformis syndrome arises when the muscle deep in the buttock presses on the sciatic nerve. Distinguishing between the two is crucial for choosing the right treatment pathway.

In Brisbane and beyond, this confusion is common. Many individuals arrive thinking they have a simple “hamstring strain” or a muscle issue, when in fact the root cause lies either in the spine or the piriformis muscle. Here at Tan Chiro we believe in treating the whole person- not just the symptom – to ensure lasting relief and restored mobility rather than a temporary fix.

In the sections that follow we’ll explore how these conditions differ in terms of origin, symptom-location and test response. Then we’ll explain why seeing a chiropractor in Brisbane early can make all the difference in recovery.

Key symptoms and tests to tell them apart

While sciatica and piriformis syndrome can have overlaps and are sometimes related, they are fundamentally different in the underlying causes and thus, the treatment plans required also differ.

Sciatica (nerve-related): Sciatica is usually triggered by a herniated disc, spinal misalignment or spinal stenosis that compresses the sciatic nerve at the lower spine, where the pain starts from. While the pain can occur anywhere along the nerve pathway, the symptoms are primarily felt in the lower back, glutes and legs.

Common symptoms include:

A mild ache or a sharp, burning pain that moves from the lower back down the leg
Usually affects only one side of the body
Impairment of sensation in the form of tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot
Pain that worsens when sitting or after long periods of inactivity

Piriformis Syndrome (muscle-related): Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle pushes against one area of the sciatic nerve, usually in the glutes but may be felt in the hips or upper legs too. While it can feel like sciatica, it is isolated to a more specific and singular area.

Common symptoms include:

Deep ache or tenderness in the glutes, hips or upper leg region
Pain that may radiate down the back of the thigh but not usually past the knee
Increased pain when climbing stairs, running or sitting for long periods of time
Tingling or burning sensations localised to one glutes.

Tests that help tell them apart

A simple physical exam can reveal the root cause. The straight-leg raise test often reproduces radiating pain in true sciatica, while the FAIR test (flexion, adduction and internal rotation) typically provokes piriformis-related pain. These clues help your chiropractor target the right area for lasting relief.

Care pathways and when to see a chiropractor

If you are in Brisbane and are unsure of which condition you are experiencing, it is best to seek a professional consultation, such as a North Brisbane Chiropractor like us. At Tan Chiro, a holistic approach is emphasised, where your body is looked at as a whole, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Depending on the cause, treatment plans may consist of:

Chiropractic spinal manipulation technique (SMT): Controlled thrust that is applied to a restricted area within your spine to enhance spinal movement and ease nerve pressure
Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy
Tailored exercise plan to suit fitness level
Nutritional support for reducing inflammation and encouraging joint healing
If your chiropractor deems that more testing is necessary, they might suggest further imaging or referrals.

This comprehensive plan is a major factor in resolving the root cause, regaining movement and being pain-free in the long run.

Consider seeing a chiropractor if you notice:

Persistent pain in the leg or glute that does not ease with rest
Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or glutes
Pain getting worse when sitting or climbing stairs
Uncertainty about whether the pain is nerve - or muscle- related

The earlier you seek help, the easier it is to heal and avoid chronic irritation.

Final thoughts

Both sciatica and piriformis syndrome can hamper your comfort and mobility. Hence, understanding the distinction between them is actually your very first step towards a relief that lasts.

At Tan Chiro, our chiropractors in Brisbane are committed to understanding whether your pain is nerve- or muscle-related, to best understand how to support you in your recovery process.

For increased comfort and better movement, make an appointment at Tan Chiro without any delay!