True Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome

Today, I want to discuss True Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome, often referred to as false sciatica. The symptoms are often similar leading to misdiagnosis. The image below shows the sciatic nerve route.

True Sciatica stems from the lumbar spine often a bulging or herniated disk, degenerative disk disease, compressed low back, or lumbar stenosis.

Piriformis Syndrome stems from the piriformis muscle which when taut irritates the nerve in the glute region.

Ask yourself, does the pain go beyond the knee?

If the answer is no, more then likely its Piriformis Syndrome. Simple stretches and bodywork can help relieve the taut muscle in the glute and get you back on your feet.

If the pain radiates down the leg, around the groin, the anterior lower leg and calf, then more often than not it stems from something going on in the lumbar spine.

Don’t panic! It’s not as bad as it sounds. There are many treatment options as soon as the root cause is found.