Medically reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered physiotherapist. · Last reviewed June 2026.
What sciatica means
Sciatica describes pain that travels down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve, often with tingling, numbness or sometimes weakness. It is a description of nerve-related leg pain rather than a diagnosis in itself, and it can have several underlying causes. Because nerve symptoms are involved, it is something to have properly assessed rather than guess at.
Where discs come in
A disc problem is one possible cause of sciatica, where a disc in the spine irritates a nearby nerve. But not all back pain is a disc, and not all leg pain is from a disc, despite how often the term is used. Many episodes of back pain are muscular and not related to discs at all. Only proper assessment can clarify what is actually going on for you.
Why assessment comes first
Because leg pain with numbness, tingling or weakness points to nerve involvement, it should be assessed by a doctor or physiotherapist rather than self-treated. Massage can sometimes ease the muscular tension that accompanies these problems, but it is not a treatment for the nerve issue itself. We screen for nerve symptoms and red flags, and will direct you to proper assessment when that is the right step.
Key takeaways
- Sciatica describes nerve-related leg pain, not a diagnosis
- A disc is one possible cause, but not all pain is a disc
- Leg pain with nerve symptoms needs assessment first
- Massage may ease muscular tension but is not the answer for nerves
Frequently asked questions
Is sciatica the same as a slipped disc?
No. Sciatica describes nerve-related leg pain, which a disc problem can cause but so can other things. Not all back or leg pain is a disc. Assessment clarifies the cause.
Can massage treat sciatica?
It may ease accompanying muscular tension but it is not a treatment for the nerve issue itself. Leg pain with numbness, tingling or weakness should be assessed first.