Distinguishing Sciatica From Piriformis Syndrome
Author: admin // Category: Sciatic Nerve Injury
There is considerable confusion regarding the conditions sciatica and piriformis syndrome. Some think that they are the same thing, but although they have very similar symptoms in many cases and can be present simultaneously, the underlying causes of sciatica and piriformis syndrome can be quite different.
Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic (often mis-spelled as syatic or psyatic) nerve, that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or "true" sciatica is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Depending on the severity of the compression and/or inflammation of the sciatic nerve components, sciatica may extend into the buttock area, into the thigh, or sometimes all the way down the leg to the foot.
Piriformis syndrome is sometimes called false sciatica, because instead of actual nerve irritation, it is caused by referral pain.) caused by tight knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which attaches to the upper femur bone and then runs across the back of the pelvis to the outside edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone at the base of the spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and may be indistinguishable from true sciatica.
In some cases, piriformis syndrome may cause true sciatic nerve irritation, as the sciatic nerve may run underneath or even through the middle of the piriformis, so contraction of the piriformis may produce sufficient compression of the sciatic nerve to produce actual nerve symptoms. This is one of the main sources of confusion when it comes to distinguishing true sciatica from piriformis syndrome.
As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of true sciatica are very similar to piriformis syndrome. Both cause pain, tingling, burning, "electrical shock" sensations, and/or numbness down the leg, often all the way to the foot. Add to this that the underlying causes of both sciatica and piriformis syndrome can be related to biomechanical problems in the spine and pelvic joints, and the fact that the two conditions can be present at the same time, even doctors may have a difficult time distinguishing between the two.
But since the most effective treatment for the two conditions varies signficantly, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis if at all possible. In most cases there is an easy way to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome.
Two simple maneuvers will distinguish sciatica from piriformis syndrome in the majority of cases (when the problem is one versus the other and not both conditions at the same time). First, in a seated position, if one straightens the leg on the painful side (so that the leg is parallel to the floor), and the sciatica symptoms increase, this is usually a sign of true sciatic nerve irritation.
The second maneuver is done in two parts. First, from the sitting position one bends the leg and pulls the knee on the painful side towards the same-side shoulder. In all but the most severe cases, there is usually no major increase in pain in this position. The second part of the maneuver is to pull the knee toward the opposite side shoulder. An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformis syndrome.
It is important to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome, because the treatment for the conditions varies, and getting the diagnosis right typically leads to more effective treatment.
By: George Best
Due to the lack of MRI or x-ray findings, it may be difficult to diagnose and treat piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle connects to the thighbone, assists in hip rotation and is located in the lower part of the spine. When muscle spasms develop in the piriformis muscle thereby compressing the sciatic nerve, Piriformis syndrome develops. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. Piriformis syndrome is named for the piriformis muscle and the pain caused when the muscle irritates the sciatic nerve.
ing or Herniated Disc 
The condition of spinal stenosis results in the spinal canal narrowing. The narrowing causes pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Common in patients over the age of 50 and with causes that are not clear, spinal stenosis has two different types frequently described. A common complaint of spinal stenosis patients is leg pain which gets worse with walking. Another complaint is back pain. Sitting and bending can sometimes alleviate these pains.
g the spinal canal and thus trigger spinal stenosis pain.
Another cause of sciatica is trauma caused by accidents. The impact may injure nerves or cause fragments of bone to compress the nerves (lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots)
Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic (often mis-spelled as syatic or psyatic) nerve, that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or "true" sciatica is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve comression and inflammation, may extend down the entire leg to the ankle and foot.
I’m going to share with you some of my favorite exercises to relieve sciatica related pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs and feet. This can be a very painful condition that seems to haunt people with pain no matter what they do. The great thing is there are easy ways to relieve the pain.
There other causes which include when you spinal canal ends up narrowing and puts pressure on the nerves. 15% of people suffer from piriformis syndrome. This is where a nerve runs through the middle a muscle, instead of underneath it. When the , the nerve is compressed and you will feel pain.
The term Sciatica is the word commonly used to refer to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg caused by compression or an injury to the sciatic nerve, located in the back of the leg. People who suffer from severe Sciatica definitely know the meaning of the word "pain". 
eak. 
So you have been diagnosed with sciatica and even though your doctor explained to you about the condition, you have come looking for a bit more information on sciatica.
iliac crest. 
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This is the narrowing of the spinal canal causing sciatica type symptoms. Disk problems and arthritis of the spine can cause this narrowing.
Sciatica is known as a nightmarish back and leg pain syndrome which often resists even the most seemingly appropriate treatment modalities.
eakness in the lower extremities.
There is simply little evidence that most of these conditions cause any health concerns in the majority of diagnosed patients. Some unfortunate individuals certainly do suffer from physically induced pain due to structural of the spinal column. However, most sciatica patients are misdiagnosed when their pain is blamed on innocent, normal and completely expected facets of spinal aging. Remember… Spinal arthritis, stenosis and intervertebral disc conditions are all typical side effects of getting older.
This process is known as ischemia and is also sometimes called an oxygen deprivation pain syndrome. Every anatomical structure requires oxygen in order to exist and function properly. Nerve tissue is the most susceptible to even the tiniest levels of reduced oxygenation. It is no surprise that ischemia can have such dire and immediate effects on the sciatic nerve, since the nerve reacts violently the moment the oxygen supply is reduced. The autonomic system regulates oxygen supply throughout the body using the circulatory system. Small degrees of arterial constriction will reduce cellular oxygenation, while small degrees of arterial dilation will increase blood oxygen content. This is a stealthy and virtually invisible process which leaves no evidence of its occurrence, except for trace elements in the nuclei of affected cells.
Ischemia is indeed the most logical explanation for non-responsive and long lasting cases of sciatica. It is also the root cause of a number of poorly managed health concerns, including fibromyalgia, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine and tension headaches and a tremendous assortment of gastrointestinal concerns. Ischemia is an even greater problem than it first appears to be, since it is most commonly driven by a psychosomatic symptom imperative. Given the Cartesian philosophy embraced by the modern medical establishment, it is no surprise that the overwhelming evidence supporting ischemic pain is systematically swept under the rug. After all, ischemia is easily treated and the cure is free for patients to enact using the basic principles of knowledge therapy. Remember too that the economic bottom line in the medical professions is the most basic directive as to effective treatment for any health condition. If a therapy goes against the idea of making money, it is typically arbitrarily ignored…
The second mistake sciatica sufferers often make is returning to normal activities too quickly once symptoms improve. The vast majority of true sciatica cases are due to bulging or herniation of one or more discs in the lumbar spine, and the inflammation that typically is associated with such disc problems. An amazing amount of symptomatic improvement is often achieved with just a small reduction in inflammation. Many sciatica victims mistakenly believe they are back to normal as soon as they feel better, but the reality is that the bulging/herniated disc is far from fully healed, and too much exertion too soon can easily trigger a recurrence of symptoms - sometimes even more severe than they were to begin with. Even professional physical therapists sometimes make the mistake of pushing a patient to do too much too soon, with the result being a return or increase in sciatica symptoms.
s
Lastly, spinal tumors are anomalous growths on the spine that can either be benign or malignant. Rare as sciatica cases being caused by spinal tumors may be, once a tumor develops in the lumbar region, it may cause nerve compression that may trigger sciatica.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that originated from China. Fine needles are inserted into your skin in strategic points in the body to release negative energy and restore health and well-being, and treat pain and illnesses. It has been proven effective by medical practitioners. It is highly recommended as a treatment for generic lumbar pain, even for mild sciatica, as it supposedly releases tension from the spastic muscles and relieves the pressure from the compressed nerve.
a?
Any Age
