How to Tell the Difference Between Sciatica and Hamstring Pain
If you’ve ever experienced pain running down the back of your leg, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not the only one confused about what’s causing it. Leg and lower back pain can be surprisingly tricky to diagnose, especially when symptoms overlap between different conditions. Two of the most common culprits? Sciatica and hamstring injuries.
While both can cause discomfort in similar areas, they’re fundamentally different issues requiring different treatments. Mistaking one for the other can delay recovery and potentially make things worse.
At Ducker Physio Adelaide, we often see patients who are unsure whether they’ve pulled a muscle or are dealing with nerve-related pain. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between sciatica and hamstring pain—so you can better understand what’s going on in your body and what to do next.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.
Sciatica is a condition characterised by pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, extending from the lower spine through the hips and buttocks, and down the legs. Sciatica is not a condition in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the sciatic nerve.
Common Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is usually caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often due to:
Herniated or slipped discs in the lower spine
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
Degenerative disc disease
Piriformis syndrome (when the piriformis muscle compresses the nerve)
Bone spurs or inflammation pressing on the nerve
Symptoms Overview
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg
Pain that often worsens with sitting, sneezing, coughing, or bending
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
Usually affects one side of the body
How Sciatica Typically Presents
We often see sciatica develop due to a combination of sedentary work environments, especially among office workers and tradies spending long hours driving or lifting. It’s also common among those involved in high-impact sports, like footy, running, or CrossFit, where the lower back is under repetitive stress.
Early identification and treatment are key to preventing sciatica from becoming a chronic issue—something we see far too often at Ducker Physio.
What is Hamstring Pain?
Hamstring pain refers to discomfort or injury in the group of three muscles located at the back of your thigh.
Hamstring pain describes soreness or injury affecting the trio of muscles situated at the back of the thigh. These muscles—the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus—play a key role in bending the knee and extending the hip.
Typical Causes of Hamstring Pain
Hamstring issues are most commonly caused by -
Acute muscle strains during activities that involve sprinting, jumping, or sudden acceleration (common in footy, soccer, and running)
Overuse injuries from repetitive movements or lack of proper recovery
Poor flexibility or muscle imbalances, especially between the hamstrings and quadriceps
Inadequate warm-ups or fatigue during physical activity
Hamstring injuries can range from mild tightness or soreness to partial or complete tears of the muscle fibres.
Symptoms Overview
A sharp or sudden pain in the back of the thigh, often occurring during activity
Swelling or bruising in the affected area (especially with more severe strains)
Tenderness when touching or stretching the hamstring
A pulling or cramping sensation when walking, running, or bending forward
Pain usually remains localised to the thigh or upper buttock and does not radiate below the knee
Unlike sciatica, hamstring pain is not nerve-related and doesn't cause tingling or numbness.
At Ducker Physio, we frequently treat hamstring injuries across all ages—from young athletes to weekend warriors—helping them return to activity safely and confidently.
Key Differences Between Sciatica and Hamstring Pain
Sciatica and hamstring pain may both affect the back of the leg, but they differ in important ways. Understanding these differences can help you (and your physio) get to the root of the issue faster and guide the right treatment plan.
Location of Pain
Sciatica typically starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot.
Hamstring pain is felt in the back of the thigh or buttock and usually stays above the knee.
Type of Pain
Sciatica often feels like a sharp, shooting, or burning pain. It may also involve numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Hamstring pain feels like a dull ache, tightness, or cramp, especially when moving or stretching the muscle.
Onset and Triggers
Sciatica may come on gradually or suddenly, often triggered by sitting too long, bending, lifting, or twisting.
Hamstring pain usually has a sudden onset during activity (like sprinting) or develops over time with overuse or poor mobility.
Range of Motion Impact
Sciatica may limit movement because of nerve pain and protective muscle guarding, especially with bending or sitting.
Hamstring injuries limit motion due to muscle tightness or weakness, particularly when stretching the leg or walking.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Sciatica | Hamstring Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Location | Lower back, buttock, leg (often below knee) | Back of thigh or upper buttock (stays above knee) |
| Pain Type | Sharp, burning, electric, with tingling or numbness | Dull ache, tightness, cramping sensation |
| Onset | Gradual or sudden; triggered by sitting/bending | Often sudden during sport or overuse |
| Triggers | Sitting, lifting, bending, coughing | Running, jumping, stretching, overuse |
| Range of Motion | Limited by nerve irritation, especially bending | Limited by muscle stretch or contraction |
When to Suspect Sciatica vs Hamstring Strain
If you’re unsure whether your leg pain is coming from the nerve or the muscle, you’re not alone. Below are some common patterns that can help you (and your physio) determine what’s really going on.
You Might Be Dealing with Sciatica If -
Your pain starts in the lower back or buttock and travels down the leg
You feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg or foot
Sitting for long periods or bending forward makes the pain worse
The pain is sharp, shooting, or feels like an electric shock
You have a history of lower back issues, disc problems, or spinal injuries
You Might Be Dealing with Hamstring Pain If -
You felt a sudden “pull” or snap during running, jumping, or kicking
The pain is isolated to the back of your thigh or upper buttock
Stretching the hamstring or bending your knee causes discomfort
The area feels tender to touch and may be bruised or swollen
You have tight hamstrings or a history of muscle strains
If you're still unsure, that’s completely normal—especially since some people experience both issues at the same time, like an old hamstring injury alongside lower back tightness. A thorough assessment from a physiotherapist can confirm the root cause and help avoid misdiagnosis.
Diagnosis and Assessment
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important when it comes to managing leg pain effectively. At Ducker Physio in Adelaide, we take the time to listen to your story, assess your movement, and pinpoint the true source of your symptoms so you can get on the right path to recovery.
If in Adelaide, book an appointment with Ducker Physio - We offer a FREE 20-min first consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
What to Expect During Your Physio Consultation
Your appointment will typically include -
A detailed history of your symptoms, including when and how they started
Posture and movement assessments to look for muscular imbalances, nerve involvement, or mobility issues
Palpation (hands-on assessment) to check for tenderness, muscle tightness, or structural changes
Functional tests to reproduce or isolate the pain
Common Tests Used to Differentiate Sciatica and Hamstring Pain
Straight Leg Raise Test – If lifting your leg while lying down causes pain that radiates down the leg, it may indicate sciatica.
Slump Test – Assesses neural tension along the sciatic nerve.
Hamstring Flexibility and Strength Tests – Help identify muscle strains, tears, or weakness.
Neurodynamic Testing – Checks how the nerves glide and respond under tension.
Palpation of the Hamstring Origin – If pain is localised and tender at the top of the thigh, a hamstring issue is more likely.
In some cases, we may recommend further imaging (like an MRI or ultrasound) if the diagnosis is unclear or if your symptoms are severe.
Treatment Options
Once we’ve identified whether you’re dealing with sciatica or a hamstring injury, treatment can begin right away. Physiotherapy plays a central role in reducing pain, restoring movement, and preventing recurrence.
Treatment for Sciatica
At Ducker Physio, we focus on reducing nerve irritation, improving spinal mobility, and strengthening the surrounding support structures. Your treatment plan may include -
Manual therapy to relieve tension in the lower back and gluteal muscles
Targeted exercises to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve posture
Neural gliding techniques to restore normal movement of the sciatic nerve
Dry needling or soft tissue release to address muscle spasm and tightness
Education on posture and ergonomics, especially for desk-based workers or drivers
We also help you gradually return to physical activity in a way that supports long-term recovery.
Treatment for Hamstring Injuries
When it comes to hamstring pain, our goal is to promote tissue healing, restore strength, and prevent re-injury. Treatment often includes -
Manual therapy and massage to reduce pain and muscle tightness
Progressive strengthening exercises, especially eccentric loading (lengthening under tension)
Stretching and mobility work to regain full range of motion
Dry needling to release tight or overworked areas
Functional training tailored to your sport, work, or lifestyle
Whether you’re an athlete or someone who simply wants to move without pain, we’ll create a rehab plan that supports your goals and fits your life.
When to See a Physio
If you're experiencing persistent leg pain and you're not sure whether it's sciatica, a hamstring strain, or something else entirely—it’s time to see a physio.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Ignoring it or pushing through can make things worse, delay healing, or lead to further injury. At Ducker Physio in Adelaide, we specialise in accurately diagnosing musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions, so you can stop guessing and start recovering.
You should book an appointment if -
Your pain lasts more than a few days or keeps returning
You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
The pain is interfering with walking, sport, sleep, or work
You heard a pop or felt a sudden pull during activity
Over-the-counter treatments or rest aren’t helping
Early intervention is key. The sooner we assess the problem, the sooner you can get back to doing what you love—without pain holding you back.
Ready to Get to the Bottom of Your Pain?
Book your appointment today and let’s get you moving again—stronger, safer, and pain-free.