When back pain strikes, especially in the lower spine, people often assume it’s either sciatica or a herniated disc. While the two conditions are related, they are not the same—and confusing them can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. Many patients in Bangalore searching for relief from back and leg pain often type in queries like “sciatica treatment Bengaluru” or “herniated disc doctor Bangalore”. In this blog, we’ll clear up the confusion, highlight the differences, and guide you on the right treatment options.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body—running from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Sciatica itself is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition that irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.

Common Causes of Sciatica:

• Herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Piriformis syndrome
• Degenerative disc disease

Patients often ask, “Can sciatica happen without a herniated disc?” The answer is yes. Not all cases of sciatica are caused by disc herniation, though it remains one of the most common culprits.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, occurs when the soft cushion between your spinal vertebrae bulges out or ruptures. This bulge can press on nearby nerves, including the sciatic nerve, leading to radiating leg pain.

Herniated Disc Symptoms:

• Localized back pain
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Weakness in the lower limbs
• Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing

It’s important to note that while a herniated disc can cause sciatica, the two terms shouldn’t be used interchangeably.

Feature	Sciatica (Symptom)	Herniated Disc (Condition)
Definition	Symptom – nerve pain caused by compression/irritation of the sciatic nerve	Structural problem where the spinal disc bulges or ruptures
Location of Pain	Radiates from the lower back through the buttock, down the leg	Begins in the spine and may radiate to nearby areas (buttock, leg)
Cause	Nerve compression (can be due to disc herniation, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, etc.)	Disc bulge or rupture pressing on nearby nerves
Treatment Focus	Relieving sciatic nerve pressure and managing pain	Treating the disc issue to reduce nerve compression and restore function

If you’re experiencing leg pain and lower back pain in Bengaluru, it’s vital to consult a spine specialist in Bangalore or a physiotherapy clinic to determine the exact cause.

 

Diagnosis: Which One Do You Have?

A doctor or physiotherapist will use:

• Physical examination (straight leg raise test, reflex checks)
• MRI or CT scan to identify disc herniation or nerve compression
• Medical history to understand symptom triggers

This helps determine whether you’re dealing with sciatica pain or a disc herniation, or possibly both.

Treatment Options in Bengaluru

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

• Physiotherapy in Bengaluru: Tailored exercises for strengthening and posture correction.
• Pain management: Medications, hot/cold therapy, and TENS therapy.
• Lifestyle changes: Ergonomic adjustments, weight management, and core strengthening.

2. Advanced Treatments

• Epidural injections for severe nerve pain.
• Minimally invasive surgery in rare cases where conservative methods fail.

At BSI Physiotherapy, our specialists use evidence-based methods to treat sciatica vs slipped disc cases with customized rehab plans.

Exercises for Sciatica vs Herniated Disc

Patients often search “exercises for sciatica vs herniated disc”. While specific exercise depends on your diagnosis, here are some general ones:

• For Sciatica: Hamstring stretches, gentle yoga, piriformis stretches
• For Herniated Disc: Core strengthening, pelvic tilts, extension exercises

Always consult a physiotherapist in Bangalore before trying these exercises, as the wrong move can worsen your condition.

Living With Back Pain in Bangalore

Back pain is increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles, long work hours, and poor ergonomics. If you are in Bengaluru and searching for “slipped disc physiotherapy Bengaluru” or “sciatica pain causes Bengaluru”, early treatment can prevent chronic pain. Clinics like BSI Physiotherapy specialize in personalized rehab programs to ensure long-term recovery.

FAQs

1. Is sciatica always caused by a herniated disc?

No. While herniated discs are a leading cause, sciatica can also be due to spinal stenosis, bone spurs, or muscle compression.

2. Which is more painful: sciatica or herniated disc?

They are different. Sciatica describes the nerve pain, while a herniated disc refers to the structural issue. A herniated disc may cause sciatica, but not always.

3. When should I see a spine specialist in Bengaluru?

If pain lasts longer than 2 weeks, radiates to the legs, or causes numbness/weakness, consult a spine doctor in Bangalore immediately.

4. Can physiotherapy cure sciatica and disc herniation?

Yes. Physiotherapy helps in pain relief, strengthening, posture correction, and long-term prevention.

5. What’s the difference between sciatica pain and disc herniation pain?

Sciatica pain travels down the leg, while disc herniation pain often starts in the spine.

Final Thoughts

Sciatica vs herniated disc—two terms often confused but fundamentally different. If you’re experiencing symptoms and looking for sciatica treatment Bengaluru or a herniated disc doctor Bangalore, early diagnosis and physiotherapy are the safest ways to recover without surgery.

At BSI Physiotherapy, we specialize in back pain treatment in Bangalore, slipped disc physiotherapy, and sciatica relief in Bangalore. Our team ensures you get the right treatment for long-lasting recovery.