As a chiropractor in Melbourne, one of the most common things I hear in clinic is:
“I’ve got sciatica — pain down my leg.”
But here’s the catch — not all leg pain is sciatica.
Another common cause of lower back and leg pain is sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction. The two can feel very similar, but the way we manage them is quite different. Getting the right diagnosis is key to lasting relief.
What Is SIJ Pain?
The sacroiliac joint connects your spine to your pelvis and plays a key role in load transfer when you walk, run, or lift. If this joint becomes irritated or stiff, it can refer pain into the buttock, groin, or upper thigh.
- Pain often feels dull or achy
- Aggravated by rolling in bed, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair
- Usually stays above the knee
- Often felt around the “dimples” at the base of your lower back
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of a lumbar nerve root — most commonly L4, L5, or S1. It produces nerve pain that often:
- Feels sharp, burning, or electric
- Travels down the leg, sometimes into the foot
- Comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Gets worse with sitting, bending forward, or coughing
Key Differences Between SIJ Pain and Sciatica
SIJ Pain:
- Pain in lower back, buttock, groin, or upper thigh
- Dull or sharp pain
- Rarely involves nerve symptoms
- Triggered by movement or sit to standing
Sciatica:
- Pain radiates below the knee
- Sharp, shooting, burning pain
- Often includes pins and needles, numbness, or weakness
- Triggered by sitting, bending, or straining
Why This Matters
At Stride Heath Co, we often see patients who have been treating the wrong problem for weeks or even months. SIJ pain can be mistaken for sciatica — and vice versa. But they need different approaches.
That’s why a proper assessment is so important. We use a mix of movement tests, orthopaedic screening, and nerve assessments to figure out what’s really going on.
Chiropractic Care for Leg Pain in Melbourne
Whether it’s SIJ dysfunction, sciatica, or something else entirely — chiropractic care can help by:
- Reducing joint irritation
- Improving how your body moves
- Relieving pressure on nerves
- Rebuilding strength and control
If you’re in Melbourne and dealing with leg or back pain, don’t guess — get it assessed properly.
Book an appointment at Stride Chiropractic Kensington and let’s get to the bottom of it.
We’re here to help you move, feel, and function better.
