Sciatica vs Back Pain: How to Tell the Difference
Is it a sore back, or is that pain running down your leg sciatica? Our award winning physio team in Bexley North and Marrickville finds out at your first visit and gets you moving again.
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- A clear answer at visit one
- ⭐5.0 Google Rating240+ reviews
- 🏆2026 Award WinnerBayside Business Awards
- ⏱️60 Minute First VisitFind the real cause
- 💳HICAPSClaim on the spot
Sciatica vs Back Pain explained
Sciatica or Back Pain: What Is the Difference?
Back pain is pain that mostly stays in your lower back, sometimes spreading into the buttock or thigh. Sciatica is nerve pain that travels from your back or buttock down the leg, often below the knee, with burning, tingling or numbness. You can have one or both. The good news: most sciatica and back pain settles well with the right physiotherapy.
Does This Sound Like You?
- A dull ache across your lower back after sitting or lifting
- Shooting or burning pain from your buttock down your leg
- Pins and needles or numbness in your calf or foot
- Bending, coughing or sneezing sends pain into your leg
- Stiff and sore getting out of bed or the car
- Not sure if it is a back problem or a nerve problem
Who we help with sciatica and back pain
- 💻Desk workers
- 🚗Drivers and commuters
- 🔨Tradies and Workers Comp
- 🏋️Gym goers and lifters
- 👶Parents
- 👵Over 50s
Two Clinics, Same Day Appointments
Book a physio at Bexley North or Marrickville, whichever is closer to home, work or the gym. Same award winning team at both.
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North. Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book Bexley North →Inside World Gym, 4 Carrington Road, Marrickville. Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm.
Book Marrickville →Spot the difference
Sciatica vs Back Pain Side by Side
The quickest way to tell sciatica from back pain is where the pain goes and how it feels. Here is how our physios compare them.
Where it hurts
Buttock and down the back of one leg, often below the knee
Mostly the lower back, sometimes spreading into the buttock or thigh
What it feels like
Burning, shooting or electric pain, often with pins and needles or numbness
A dull ache, stiffness or a sharp catch when you move
What makes it worse
Sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing sends pain down the leg
Bending, lifting, long sitting or standing, and getting out of bed
Common causes
An irritated nerve root in the lower back, most often from a disc bulge
Sore joints, muscles or discs, often after lifting, long sitting or a busy week
Simple self check
Your leg hurts more than your back and pain travels below the knee
Pain stays in your back or above the knee, with no tingling or numbness
Typical recovery
Often 6 to 12 weeks, and some cases take 3 to 6 months
Many people feel much better within a few days to 6 weeks
Best first step
A physio nerve assessment, plus gentle movement and positions of ease
A physio assessment, staying gently active and avoiding bed rest
AIt is more likely sciatica if pain runs below your knee, burns or tingles, and your leg hurts more than your back.
BIt is more likely lower back pain if the ache stays in your back or above the knee, with no tingling or numbness.
You can have both at once, and a physio assessment tells you which, with same day appointments at Bexley North and Marrickville.
Real Back Pain and Sciatica Recoveries
★★★★★
The treatment I received for my lower back pain and sciatica was extremely helpful. I feel so much better… Ari is professional, patient and offered great advice. He explained everything clearly.
Angela T.Treated by Ari · Google review
★★★★★
I was dealing with bulging discs in my lower back, and spinal surgery seemed like the only option. Thankfully, they reassured me that it wasn’t necessary. A few months later, with their guidance and a tailored rehabilitation program, I’m now feeling even better than before.
Perry J.Treated by Julian · Google review
★★★★★
I was in so much pain with my back and calf… within 2weeks of seeing Sam and him working on me and giving me stretching exercises… I am so happy with my results. Sam, you did wonders for me
Lorraine T.Treated by Sam · Google review
More from our 240+ Google reviews
Sciatica, Back Pain or Both?
Pain in your back and leg can come from a few places. Your physiotherapist works out which of these is driving yours, because each one needs a different plan.
01True Sciatica
Feels like: burning, shooting or electric pain below the knee, sometimes with pins and needles or numbness.
An irritated nerve root in the lower back, most often from a disc bulge. Leg pain is usually worse than back pain, and most cases settle without surgery.
Read about sciatica physio →02Mechanical Back Pain
Feels like: a dull or sharp ache in the lower back, worse bending, lifting or sitting, easing as you move.
Sore joints, muscles and discs in the lower back without nerve irritation. This is the most common type of back pain and often settles within weeks.
Read about lower back pain physio →03Referred Back Pain
Feels like: a dull ache spreading into the buttock or thigh that stops above the knee, with no tingling.
Back pain can spread into the leg without a pinched nerve. It is often mistaken for sciatica but usually settles faster.
Read about back pain physio →04Disc Bulge With Both
Feels like: a sore lower back plus pain running down one leg, worse sitting, bending or coughing.
A bulging disc can cause back pain and sciatica together. We treat both, and as it settles the leg pain usually pulls back toward the spine.
05Spinal Stenosis
Feels like: heavy, aching legs when you walk or stand, easing when you sit or lean forward.
Narrowing around the nerves, usually over 50. It can feel like sciatica in one or both legs. Strength and walking plans help you stay active.
06Hip or Buttock Pain
Feels like: pain in the buttock, groin or side of the hip, worse walking or putting on shoes.
Hip joint, gluteal tendon and deep buttock muscle problems can mimic sciatica and back pain. We check your hip so the right area gets treated.
Read about hip pain physio →Not sure which one you have? Call (02) 8021 0969
How Our Physios Tell Them Apart
Sciatica and back pain need different plans, so your physiotherapist starts by working out which one you have, then builds your care around your work, sleep and training.
- 1
Find the Source
A full 60 minute assessment of your back, hips and nerves, to see if the pain is coming from your back, the sciatic nerve, or both.
- 2
Ease the Pain
Hands on treatment, positions of ease and the right movements for sciatica or back pain, so you feel better sooner.
- 3
Build Strength
Gym based rehab for your back, hips and legs so your back and nerves handle real life load.
- 4
Back to Life
Sitting, sleeping, working and training without the back ache or the pain down your leg.
Treatments we may use
- Dry needling
- Hands on therapy
- Individualised rehabilitation programming
Related conditions we treat
Your options
Why See a Physio First for Back and Leg Pain?
Waiting it out, painkillers and massage can all take the edge off. Physiotherapy adds a clear diagnosis, nerve testing and a plan so the pain stays away.
Questions first? Call (02) 8021 0969
What You Can Do at Home for Sciatica or Back Pain
Three safe things that help most people while you wait for your appointment.
- 🚶01
Keep Gently Moving
Short, easy walks every few hours beat bed rest for sciatica and back pain. Stop before the pain builds.
- 🛏️02
Find Your Comfy Position
Try lying on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with pillows under your knees.
- 🪑03
Break Up Sitting
Stand up and move every 20 to 30 minutes, and use a small cushion behind your lower back in the car.
Back or leg pain not settling in a few days? Call (02) 8021 0969
?Quick answers
Sciatica vs Back Pain Quick Answers
Fast answers to the questions people ask most when they cannot tell sciatica from back pain.
Can sciatica feel like back pain?
Yes, often
Yes. Sciatica often starts with a sore lower back before pain travels into the buttock and leg. The giveaway is burning, tingling or pain below the knee, which plain back pain rarely causes.
Is sciatica always caused by a disc bulge?
Not always
A disc bulge is the most common cause, but narrowing around the nerves, called stenosis, and tight deep buttock muscles can also irritate the nerve. Your physio works out which one is driving yours.
Do I need a scan to tell the difference?
Usually not
Most people do not. A physio assessment with nerve, reflex and strength tests usually gives a clear answer. Scans help when weakness is getting worse, red flags appear, or pain is not settling after 6 to 12 weeks.
Which hurts more, sciatica or back pain?
It varies
Sciatica often feels sharper because a nerve is involved, and the leg can hurt more than the back. Severe back pain can hurt just as much, so judge it by where the pain travels, not how strong it is.
Does sciatica take longer to heal than back pain?
Usually, yes
Many people with simple back pain feel much better within a few weeks. Sciatica often takes 6 to 12 weeks, and numbness can fade more slowly than the pain. Some cases take 3 to 6 months.
When is back or leg pain an emergency?
Know the red flags
Go to hospital straight away if you lose bladder or bowel control, have numbness around the groin, or leg weakness that is getting worse. These signs are rare but need urgent medical care, not a physio appointment.
How Long Do Sciatica and Back Pain Take to Get Better?
Every case is different, but this is what recovery usually looks like with a physiotherapist guiding you.
- First 1 to 2 weeks
Calm It Down
Simple back pain often starts easing within days. With sciatica, we find positions that calm the nerve so you sit and sleep more comfortably.
- Weeks 2 to 6
Things Get Easier
Back pain often feels much better by now. Sciatica leg pain eases and pulls back toward the buttock, a great sign.
- Weeks 6 to 12
Build It Strong
Gym based strength work for your back, hips and legs so you handle real life load, and flare ups are far less likely.
Sciatica usually takes longer than simple back pain, and numbness can fade more slowly than the pain. Some cases take 3 to 6 months. Your physio will give you your own timeline at your first visit, or call (02) 8021 0969 to ask.
Your first appointment
What to Expect at Your First Back Pain Physio Appointment
60minutes, one on one
with your physio
Unlike many clinics, your first visit is a full 60 minutes. That time lets your physiotherapist go in depth, work out if it is sciatica, back pain or both, and build a clear, structured plan with you.
What to wear and bring
- Shorts or loose gym gear so we can test your back, hips and legs
- Any scans, reports or referral letters you have
- Your health fund card, HICAPS lets you claim on the spot
Same day appointments available
- 0 to 10 min
Your Story
We listen to where you feel the pain, whether it travels down your leg, what makes it better or worse, and what you want back.
- 10 to 30 min
Full Assessment
We check how your back moves, test your nerves, reflexes, sensation and strength, and screen for anything more serious.
- 30 to 40 min
Your Answer
You find out if it is sciatica, back pain or both, in plain English, and what recovery will look like.
- 40 to 55 min
Hands On Treatment
Hands on therapy, positions of ease and the right movements for your type of pain, to ease it that same day.
- 55 to 60 min
Your Plan
A structured plan and two or three simple exercises, so you know exactly what to do next.
When to See a Physio, a Doctor, or Get a Scan
Most sciatica and back pain is not dangerous, but a few warning signs need urgent care. Here is how your physiotherapist decides what you need.
✓Book a Physio If
These are the most common reasons people see us.
- Your back has been sore for more than a few days
- Pain, burning or tingling runs down your leg
- Sitting, driving or sleeping is hard
- It stops you working, training or looking after the kids
!See a GP or Hospital Now If
These red flags need urgent medical care.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or trouble passing urine
- Numbness around the groin, genitals or inner thighs
- Leg weakness or foot drop that is getting worse
- Sciatica in both legs at once
- Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
?Do You Need a Scan?
Most people with sciatica or back pain do not need one early on.
- Disc bulges and wear show up on scans of many people with no pain at all
- We refer for an MRI if weakness is getting worse, red flags appear, or pain is not settling after 6 to 12 weeks
- If you need one, we liaise with your GP or specialist for you
Unsure if it is urgent? Call (02) 8021 0969
🏆 2026 Award Winner
Meet Your Award Winning Back Pain Physios
Winners of Outstanding Health Improvement Services at the Bayside Local Business Awards 2026, helping people with sciatica and back pain in Bexley North and Marrickville every day.
Julian De Rosa
Physiotherapist Head physio for Fraser Park FC with a Master of Physiotherapy. Has competed in ICN natural bodybuilding and is passionate about helping people with lower back pain and chronic pain.
Read bio →
Sam Nunan
Physiotherapist Head physio for the Wests Tigers reserve grade team in the NSW Cup, and formerly with the Canterbury Bulldogs junior pathways. Loves powerlifting, cricket and rugby league.
Read bio →
Ari Moushis
Physiotherapist An Ironman triathlete who is excellent with runners, cyclists and swimmers, with a background in powerlifting, tennis and golf.
Read bio →
Easy Ways to Access Back Pain Physio
Claim your sciatica or back pain physiotherapy on the spot with HICAPS and your health fund, or use a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Comp or CTP.
- 💳Private Health InsuranceAll major health funds. Claim on the spot if you have extras cover.
- 🩺Medicare Care PlanHave a GP care plan? Bring it along and we'll handle the rest.
- 🎖️DVAVeterans with a DVA referral are bulk billed.
- 👷Workers CompensationSIRA approved. We liaise with your doctor and insurer.
- 🚗Car Accident (CTP)SIRA approved CTP physiotherapy after a road accident.
- 🤝NDISSelf managed and plan managed participants welcome.
Not sure if you're covered? Call (02) 8021 0969 and we'll check for you.
Before You Book
Sciatica vs Back Pain Questions, Answered
Quick answers about sciatica vs back pain from our physios in Bexley North and Marrickville. Still unsure? Call us on (02) 8021 0969 and we'll help you out.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm
Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym, Marrickville NSW 2204
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Sciatica usually brings burning, shooting or tingling pain below the knee, often worse than the back pain itself. Back pain mostly stays in your back or buttock. A simple nerve test at your first physio visit tells the difference.
Yes, and it is common. A disc bulge can cause a sore back and pain down the leg together. Your physiotherapist treats both and tracks which one settles first.
Not always. Sciatica can feel more intense and often takes longer to settle, but most sciatica and back pain gets much better without surgery with the right physiotherapy plan.
No. You can book straight in at Bexley North or at Marrickville inside World Gym. You only need a referral for a Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation or CTP.
Most people do not. A hands on assessment with nerve tests usually gives the answer. We refer for an MRI if leg weakness is getting worse, red flags appear, or pain is not settling after 6 to 12 weeks.
Gentle movement usually helps both settle faster than bed rest. We will show you positions and movements that ease the pain right now.
Your first visit is a full 60 minutes, one on one. That gives us time to find the real cause and build a clear, structured plan.
Yes. We have HICAPS at both clinics, so you can claim on the spot. We also see Medicare care plan, DVA, Workers Compensation and CTP patients.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Same day physio for sciatica and back pain in Bexley North and Marrickville, no referral needed, and an award winning team in your corner.
Find Your Back Pain Physio
Two award winning clinics. Bexley North for Kingsgrove, Earlwood, Bardwell Park, Bexley and Rockdale. Marrickville inside World Gym for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham, Petersham, Tempe and the Inner West.
Physio Bexley North
20 Shaw Street, Bexley North NSW 2207
Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm
Physio near
- Kingsgrove
- Bardwell Park
- Earlwood
- Bexley
- Rockdale
- Turrella
Physio Marrickville
4 Carrington Road, inside World Gym
Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, private on site parking
Physio near
- Dulwich Hill
- Sydenham
- Petersham
- Newtown
- Tempe
- Enmore
Ready to Find Out What Is Causing Your Pain?
Book a 60 minute physiotherapy assessment for sciatica or back pain in Bexley North, close to Kingsgrove, Earlwood and Bardwell Park, or Marrickville for Dulwich Hill, Sydenham and the Inner West. Same day appointments, no referral needed.
- 2026 Award Winner
- 5.0 from 240+ Google reviews
- Same day appointments
- No referral needed
- HICAPS claim on the spot
Got a Question? Contact Us
Not sure if it is sciatica or back pain, or whether physio is right for you? Our admin team is happy to help.
Bexley North: Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 8am to 1pmMarrickville: Mon to Fri 8am to 7pm
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