Radiating pain into the leg — whether it’s sciatica, piriformis syndrome, or nerve irritation from the low back — can be frustrating and confusing. Many people assume the problem is in their hamstring, hip, or calf, when in reality, the issue often starts higher up in the spine or pelvis.
At Highland Spine and Sport in Roanoke, VA, we frequently see patients with leg pain who have tried stretching or massage without relief. That’s because the source of the pain is often a nerve being compressed or irritated — and treating the muscles alone won’t solve it.
Your sciatic nerve and other important nerve roots originate in the lower spine and pelvis. When these nerves get irritated — from disc issues, joint restriction, or tight muscles like the piriformis — the pain can radiate all the way down the leg. This can show up as sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or even weakness.
Just like with neck-related arm pain, our approach is about finding the root cause and building a clear path forward:
If you’re in Roanoke, VA or the surrounding areas and dealing with sciatica, piriformis syndrome, or unexplained leg pain, there’s a good chance the source isn’t your leg at all. By addressing the root cause, you can get back to moving, training, and living without pain.