Sciatica - Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome - Which is It?
sciatica sciatic sciatic nerve sciatic pain
 

Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome - Which is It?

A large amount of confusion and misunderstanding exists concerning the conditions sciatica and piriformis syndrome. There are some who insist that the two conditions are actually the same thing, but even though they can have symptoms that are very much alike, the underlying causes differ.

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.


100% Natural Sciatica Remedy

sciatica back pain Fast natural cure for sciatic lower back pain.

Scientifically Formulated Based on Clinical Research to:
  • Have Super Antioxidant Power
  • Reduce Inflammation
  • Natural Sciatic Pain Relief
  • Stop Sciatic Pain and Muscle Spasms
  • Promote Healthy Back

User Ratings 4.9 / 5
Sciatica Pain Remedy


  Piriformis syndrome, also known as "pseudo-sciatica" (meaning "false sciatica"), is actually referral pain and other symptoms (tingling, numbness, etc.) caused by tightness and knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which runs from the upper femur bone to the edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone that is below the lumbar 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. In addition, both sciatica and piriformis syndrome tend to be at least partially related to biomechanical functional problems in the joints of the back and pelvis and they may even be present simultaneously in the same person, so it an be difficult to tell them apart.

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.

 
#1 Doctor Recommended

What People Said About lower back pain treatment
"Sciatol really worked for me. After 2 weeks my shooting leg pain is gone and I feel so much better. Thank you!!!" Daniel
sciatica remedy


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.

About the Author:

Dr. George Best is in private practice in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, check out Dr. Best's free e-book and online video course to assist in understanding and treating sciatica and piriformis syndrome, including in-depth instruction on sciatica exercises at http://www.SciaticaSelfCare.com .
Adiaana Rose

 
 
     
 
 





Learn More about
Natural Sciatica Back Pain Treatments

What are the causes behind the pain of sciatica? Sciatica is usually associated with compression of the sciatic nerve due to a slipped or a herniated disc. A degenerative disc disease is a condition that is brought about by the ageing process. The sciatic nerve is sometimes pinched by the piriformis muscle that is located deep in the buttocks. Sciatic pain can also be caused by conditions...


People who suffer from sciatica will often feel pain in their leg which can travel from the back of their thigh up to the thigh and in some cases up to the hip or down towards the foot. For some people not only will they feel pain but they may find that their leg become numb and they will have problems in trying to either move or control their leg. However there are ways in which...


When it comes to trying to find the best natural sciatica relief treatment, it is important that people understand just what it is. Too often people will get sciataca muddled up with other medical conditions. The problem is that sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than it actually being a diagnosis in itself. Therefore before it can be treated using either traditional prescribed...


What is sciatica? Sciatica is the official name given to a pain in the leg, foot, or buttock, brought on by a form of irritation to the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the entire body. Sciatica is most commonly caused by a slipped disc in the lower back, some form of arthritis, or a pinched nerve. It begins with back pain, followed by calf or hamstring pain, and sometimes included...


The pain brought upon by sciatica is usually a cause by considerable factors like compressions on the nerve roots, and inflammation of the disc material. It is possible to gain quick relief from such anti-inflammatory medications, as they help to reduce the swelling or the inflammation, therefore, pressure on the nerve roots also will be resolved. As the initial sciatica pain sets in,...


can sciatica cause groin pain | how to stop sciatica pain | sciatica recovery time | sciatic nerve treatment | sciatica pictures | sciatica exercise treatment | back sciatica support | sciatic joint injury | sciatica nerve stretches | sciatica clinic | back sciatica answers | sciatica symptoms of sciatica | treatments for sciatic nerve problems | natural sciatica treatments | sciatic | knee pain and sciatica | back sciatica drawings | what is sciatica and walking | sciatica cured | fake sciatica | sciatic nerve cushion answers | herbal remedy for sciatica | sciatica homeopathy | sciatic nerve neuropathy info | sciatica duration | sciatic nerve cushion group | lower back sciatic exercises | sciatica info | sciatica mri | sciatic block technique | lower back problems sciatica | sciatic nerves muscles | lumbar sciatic syndrome | sciatica stress | exercises for sciatica pain | bilateral sciatic nerve pain | sciatica running exercises diagnostic | epidural for sciatica | sciatica exercises treatment | sciatic support belt | pinched sciatic nerve exercises |







 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c) 2008 howtocuresciatica.info | | RSS Feed | Sciatica | Sciatica