Not every leg pain is true sciatica. Many patients are misdiagnosed or treated late because several conditions can mimic sciatica, even though the spinal nerve is not actually compressed.

Understanding the exact cause of pain is critical for correct treatment — especially for long-lasting or recurring symptoms.

Dr. Om Patil, Endoscopic Spine Surgeon in Mumbai, explains the true causes of sciatica and the conditions that closely imitate it.

What Is True Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — the largest nerve of the body — is compressed or irritated in the lower spine.

It typically causes:

Shooting pain from lower back to buttock, back of thigh or calf Tingling/numbness or electric shock-like sensation Pain worsens while standing, walking or coughing Often affects only one side

Spinal Causes of Sciatica (Most Common)

✅ Lumbar Disc Herniation (Slipped Disc) – pressing directly on the nerve

✅ Lumbar Canal Stenosis – spinal canal narrowing in elderly

✅ Degenerative Disc Disease – disc dehydration and collapse

✅ Spondylolisthesis – one vertebra slipping over another

✅ Facet Joint Arthritis or Bone Spurs

✅ Post-Traumatic Nerve Compression

Peripheral Causes (Outside the Spine)

✅ Piriformis Syndrome – muscle deep in buttock compresses the nerve

✅ Hip Joint Problems / Osteoarthritis

✅ Hamstring Tendon Irritation

✅ Peripheral Neuropathy (Diabetes, B12 deficiency)

✅ Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Conditions That Mimic Sciatica But Are NOT Sciatica

Vascular Claudication → pain during walking due to poor blood flow Meralgia Paresthetica → burning sensation in outer thigh (not from spine)

Trochanteric Bursitis → side hip pain, worse while lying down Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciitis → lower leg pain mistaken for nerve pain Herpes Zoster (Shingles) → burning pain before blisters appear

Correct diagnosis is essential — MRI + detailed clinical exam help differentiate true sciatica from mimics.

Why Diagnosis Matters

Treating piriformis or hip arthritis like a slipped disc is a common mistake.

Wrong treatment = delayed recovery + chronic pain + risk of permanent nerve damage.

Best Treatment Approach by Dr. Om Patil

✅ Clinical examination + advanced spine imaging

✅ Accurate classification into spinal / peripheral / mimic cause

✅ Non-surgical treatment first – physiotherapy, nerve healing, core rehab

✅ Endoscopic discectomy or decompression only if indicated

✅ Return-to-life plan with posture correction & movement coaching

Consult Dr. Om Patil for Sciatica & Complex Leg Pain

Dr. Om Patil — SpineWala | Endoscopic Spine Surgeon in Mumbai

🌐 Endospineworld.com | Spinewala.com

📞 9819191896 / 9819195885 / 9819195150

📍 Dadar East & Chembur East, Mumbai

Early diagnosis = faster relief + no unnecessary surgery.

Book your consultation today.