Sciatica Or Piriformis Syndrome - Which Is It?

There is considerable confusion regarding the conditions sciatica and piriformis syndrome. Some think that the same thing, but though they are very similar symptoms in many cases and can be simultaneously present, the root causes of sciatica and piriformis syndrome be quite different.

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic (often misspelled as syatic or psyatic) nerve that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Themost common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or "true" sciatica, compression of one or more of its component nerve roots by disc herniation or degeneration of the spine in the lower lumbar spine. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve compression and inflammation may extend the entire leg to the ankle and foot.

Piriformis syndrome is sometimes called false sciatica, because instead ofactual nerve irritation, it is caused by referral pain.) solid knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle that runs attaches to the upper femur, and then causes the rear of the basin at the outer edge of the sacrum, the triangular bone at the pelvis base of the spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and can be distinguished from true sciatica.

In some cases, piriformis syndrome may cause true sciatic Irritation, such as the sciatic nerve can be under or even through the middle of the piriformis, the contraction of the piriformis may produce sufficient compression of the sciatic nerve of the actual symptoms. This is one of the main sources of confusion when it comes to distinguishing true sciatica from piriformis syndrome.

As already mentioned, the symptoms of true sciatica are very similar to piriformis syndrome. Both lead> Pain, tingling, burning, "electrical shock" sensations, and / or numbness in 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 dysfunctions in the joints of the spine and pelvis and they may even be present simultaneously in one and the same person, making it an be difficult to keep them apart.

But varies as the most effective treatment is clear for the two conditions, itimportant to determine the correct diagnosis if at all possible. In most cases there is an easy way to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome.

In most cases, sciatica from piriformis syndrome differentiation with a few simple test maneuvers. To get started, from a seated position, is directed to the knee on the side of the sciatica, and kept the leg straight and parallel to the ground, and when that position leads to an increase in symptoms, itis a good indicator of true sciatica.

The second maneuver is in two parts. First, from the sitting position bends his leg and pulls the knee on the painful side compared to the same side of the 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 shoulder. An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformisSyndrome.

It is important to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome, because the treatment is different for the conditions, and always the right diagnosis typically leads to more effective treatment.

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