Neuropathy vs. Sciatica: How to Tell the Difference

Both neuropathy and sciatica can cause burning, tingling, or pain in the legs — and patients often confuse them. But they're two completely different conditions with different causes and different treatment paths.

Sciatica is mechanical. It's caused by something compressing the sciatic nerve as it leaves the lower spine — usually a herniated disc, spinal misalignment, or muscle spasm. The pain typically follows the sciatic nerve down one leg, and it often gets worse with sitting or specific movements.

Peripheral neuropathy is metabolic and systemic. It's nerve damage from diabetes, chemotherapy, autoimmune conditions, or other causes. It usually affects both feet symmetrically, often starts in the toes, and the pain doesn't change much with movement or position.

The treatments are different, too. Sciatica responds well to spinal decompression and corrective chiropractic care. Neuropathy needs the multi-modality approach we use in our neuropathy program — shockwave, red light, nerve rehabilitation, and nutritional support.

The good news: we treat both. The first step is a proper evaluation to figure out which one (or both) you're dealing with.