Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, but not all back pain is the same. Two frequently confused conditions—herniated discs and sciatica—cause similar symptoms but require different approaches. A herniated disc occurs when the cushioning disc between your vertebrae pushes out of place, irritating nearby nerves. Sciatica, on the other hand, refers specifically to pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, often caused by a herniated disc but sometimes triggered by other spine issues.
Understanding the differences can help patients seek the right treatment sooner. A neurosurgeon can diagnose the exact source of pain through imaging and neurological evaluation, ensuring that care is precise and effective.
Key Points
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Herniated disc: disc displacement causing nerve irritation
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Sciatica: radiating leg pain from sciatic nerve compression
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Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness
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Treatment options range from therapy to minimally invasive surgery
Accurate diagnosis allows patients to begin targeted treatments that relieve pain, restore mobility and prevent long-term nerve damage.
