Is It Sciatica or Something Else? How Xcell Diagnoses Leg Pain

If you’ve been living with sharp, burning, or radiating pain down your leg, it’s easy to assume it must be sciatica. After all, “sciatica” has become the catch-all term for nearly any kind of nerve pain that travels from the lower back into the hip, buttock, or leg. But here’s the truth: not all leg pain is sciatica—and getting the wrong diagnosis can delay the right treatment.

At Xcell Medical Group in Elyria, OH, we see patients every day who come in convinced they have sciatica, only to discover their pain is caused by something entirely different. Our integrated medical team focuses on getting to the root cause—not just treating symptoms—so we can design a care plan that truly works.

What Sciatica Really Is (and What It Isn’t)

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, becomes irritated or compressed. This can happen due to:

• A herniated or bulging disc

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal stenosis

• Piriformis muscle tightness or spasm

• Posture imbalance

Classic sciatica symptoms include:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain from the lower back to the foot

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness in the leg or foot

• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting

However, these symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, which is why a proper diagnosis is essential.

Common Conditions That Mimic Sciatica

You might be surprised to learn how many issues can look and feel like sciatica. Here are some of the most frequent causes of leg pain we uncover that aren’t true sciatic nerve irritation:

1. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction

Pain from the SI joint often radiates into the buttock or thigh and feels very similar to sciatica. Many patients misdiagnose themselves for months before getting help.

2. Lumbar Facet Joint Irritation

These joints in the spine can cause referred pain into the hips and legs, especially after long periods of sitting or standing.

3. Piriformis Syndrome

When the piriformis muscle spasms or tightens, it can compress the sciatic nerve—causing sciatica-like pain even though the spine isn’t involved.

4. Peripheral Neuropathy

Numbness, tingling, and burning in the legs or feet may actually be caused by nerve damage related to circulation issues or metabolic conditions—not the spine.

5. Muscle Strain or Trigger Points

Tight muscles in the glutes or lower back can send pain shooting down the leg, often mistaken for nerve issues.

How Xcell Medical Group Diagnoses the TRUE Cause of Your Leg Pain

Because so many conditions share similar symptoms, guessing won’t get results. That’s why our team uses a comprehensive diagnostic process to pinpoint the exact source of pain.

1. Detailed Medical Consultation

We start by discussing when the pain began, what activities make it worse, and any history of injury, work strain, or previous flare-ups.

2. Functional Orthopedic Testing

Our providers evaluate the range of motion, strength, posture, and nerve tension patterns to understand which structures are involved.

3. Neurological Evaluation

We test reflexes, sensation, and motor function to determine whether nerve compression is present.

4. Digital Imaging (if needed)

If your case requires deeper investigation, we may do X-rays or refer you for an MRI to visualize discs, joints, or nerve pathways.

5. Collaborative Diagnosis

With chiropractors, medical providers, and rehab specialists on one team, we bring multiple perspectives together to ensure the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Your Treatment Depends on the Diagnosis—Not the Pain

Once we identify the cause of your leg pain, we create a customized care plan that may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Medical pain-relief injections

• Muscle therapy

• Spinal decompression

• Physical rehabilitation

• Joint stabilization therapy

Because our clinic is integrated, your care is coordinated and streamlined to help you recover more quickly and effectively.

Don’t Assume It’s Sciatica—Let Us Find Out

If your leg pain is preventing you from walking, working, sleeping, or living comfortably, the first step is to understand why it’s happening. At Xcell Medical Group, we don’t just treat symptoms—we diagnose the real problem.

📅 Schedule your consultation today and let our team help you get lasting relief.