Sciatica vs Piriformis Syndrome

Sciatica

Sciatica is a common issue within our society. Remedial Massage Therapy can assist in the management of Sciatica by reducing the tension certain muscles are putting on the sciatic nerve. It will also help ease the pain sciatica sufferers endure.

What is it?

Sciatica is a radiating pain that occurs in the sciatic nerve, descending through the lateral region of both legs. This condition often results from pressure placed on the nerves caused by a herniated disc or bone spur in the spine. As the nerve originates in the lumbar spine, pain can occur from this region all the way down into the leg, however, typically only on one side.

Signs and Symptoms

-              Pain in the back, glutes, hip, hamstring, and/or calf

-              Pain can vary in intensity and may radiate or feel sharp

-              Difficulty walking

-              Leg and/or foot numbness

-              A pins and needles sensation

-              A burning sensation

-              Muscle weakness

Risk Factors

-              Age: Those aged between 20 to 50 are most affected.

-              Weight: obesity can further increase the likelihood of developing Sciatica due to the increased stress placed on the spine.

-              Occupation: Manual jobs that require twisting of the back and lifting heavy loads, as well as stationary office jobs, can both negatively impact the spine, therefore increasing the risk of developing Sciatica.

-              Health Conditions: Diabetes is known to increase the likelihood of nerve damage.

Potential/Common Misdiagnoses:

-              Herniated Lumbosacral Disc

-              Muscle Spasms

-              Nerve Root Impingement

-              Tumour

-              Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome

Like Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome and its symptoms can impact individuals’ day to day life.

What is it?

Piriformis Syndrome can occasionally be mistaken for Sciatica. (Refer to my Sciatica post to learn more about it.) Piriformis Syndrome is musculoskeletal pain in the buttocks and/or hip. This is where the Piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve.

Signs and Symptoms

-              Persistent and radiating low back pain

-              Difficulty walking

-              Pain when sitting

-              Tingling or numbness in the buttocks and down the leg

Potential/Common Misdiagnoses

-              Herniated Intervertebral Disc

-              Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome

-              Hip Joint: Laberal Tears

Treatment

Remedial Massage Therapy can help treat and manage symptoms associated with Piriformis Syndrome. Therapists will utilise a range of modalities during treatment of the following muscles: glutes (including piriformis), lower back muscles and the hamstring. Outside of a Remedial Massage, the following are tips on self-treatment and management of Piriformis Syndrome:

-              Hot or cold packs

-              Avoid sitting for long periods

-              Stretching the piriformis and surrounding muscles