Sciatic Pain or Piriformis Syndrome can present similar symptoms, but which is it. ?
Recently many people have come to our clinic , presenting with what they thought to be
The Dreaded Sciatica! believing it is something they are going to have to live with. So what is it, how do we know we have it, how does it affect us and most of all how do we get rid of it ? Because believe me when I say” If you have ever had Sciatica you want to get rid of it.”
What is Sciatica ?
Although Sciatica is a relatively common form of Low Back Pain and Leg Pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the nerve, causing the pain. This point is important, because treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms often differs, depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms and pain levels. One thing is for sure Sciatic pain is produced when you have pain along the sciatic nerve.
What causes it Sciatica ?
is usually caused by a spinal disc herniation (rupture) of the inner part of the disc that surrounds the outer disc .of by compression of the Lumber Nerves L3,L4,or L5 causing pain in the lumbar region (Lower back), compression of the sciatic nerve itself or the Sacral Nerves S1,S2 or S3, thus hitting the sciatic nerve and radiating to the buttocks and to the back of the thigh.
How do you know what is causing it ?
Unfortunately you don’t you just feel the pain, your Doctor or therapist will be able to explain more, but sometimes only a scan will tell you what is really going on, but here are a few causes. When sciatica is caused by compression of a dorsal nerve root(radix) it is considered a lumbar radiculopathy(or radiculitis when accompanied with an inflammatory response). This can occur as a result of a spinal disk bulge or spinal disc herniation (a herniated intervertebral disc), or from roughening, enlarging, or misalignment (Spondylolisthesis) of the Vertebrae , or as a result of degenerated discs that can reduce the diameter of the lateral foramen through which nerve roots exit the spine. We do know that Sciatica due to compression of a nerve root is one of the most common forms of radiculopathy and is often postural caused by an anterior pelvic tilt.
Pseudo Sciatica or non-discogenic Sciatica ?
Also causes symptoms similar to spinal nerve root compression, is most often referred pain due to damage to facet joints in the lower back and is felt as pain in the lower back and posterior thighs. Pseudo sciatic pain can also be caused by compression of peripheral sections of the nerve, usually from soft tissue tension in the piriformis or related muscles
Piriformis Syndrome.
Also causes a sciatic issue. People have come to us with Piriformis Syndrome , as it also a cause of sciatic pain is the muscle tightens thinking they have Sciatica and leaving it just taking pain killers when if they would have come sooner we could have treated it very quickly as Piriformis Syndrome is caused when someone has been sitting for a long period of time, through working at a desk, not stretching, driving for long periods of time. The sciatic nerve runs close to the Piriformis muscles and muscle irritation and tight muscles create pain. Also hip external rotation can create this condition e.g. driving a manual vehicle . The Piriformis is a a muscle in the gluteal area. Known also as a lateral rotator, working along with five other muscles they do a major job to keep you in action.
Sciatica may also occur during pregnancy.
As a result of the weight of the fetus pressing on the sciatic nerve ladies we know this is painful and we sympathize with you, yes it can cause leg spasms. While most cases do not directly harm the foetus or the mother, indirect harm may come from the numbing effect on the legs which can cause loss of balance and falling.
There is no standard treatment for pregnancy induced sciatica, we can help with gentle massage doing your leg exercises, swimming,
making sure you clench the glutes when you get up and please do that slowly.
If you did need help or advice please give us a call.
Why we can help you to get better quicker.
With a combination of Neuromuscular Techniques Rehabilitation Massage and The Bioneuro Therapy System Sigma Q (∑Q®)that works deeper that acupuncture allowing us to get to the root cause, help release your Piriformis muscle, ease the Sciatica Symptoms that will result in you being a pain free.
