Thursday, June 1, 2017

Difference between Sciatic and Piriformis Syndrome. What are the treatments of choice?

Sciatic and Piriformis Syndrome have different origin points.


Sciatic Nerve’s origin point is the top of the gluteal muscle.



Piriformis originates at the base of the spine and inserts at the top of the femur.




Different Places of Pain

Both Sciatic and Piriformis Syndromes are Inflammations.  Inflammation in Sciatica compresses sciatic nerve and sends radiating pain down the back of the leg either ending at the knee or the calf. Piriformis is an inflammation of the Piriformis muscle that presses on the sciatic nerve. Piriformis Syndrome pain is more localized in the hip and buttock compare to the Sciatica whose pain radiates down the leg.


Causes
Sciatic is caused by lower back pain, bulge in L-4 or L-5, pregnancy, and or inflammation of the hips and glutes.


Piriformis is caused by repetitive motion like that of a distance runner.


Treatment
Sciatica – gentle back bends, bridge pose, cobra pose, cobbler pose, strengthening the core especially the transverse abdominals, strengthening the lower back, opening the hamstrings and developing flexibility in the outer hips.

Piriformis Syndrome – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Stretching the Piriformis in Classical Sun and Moon Salutations, Gentle practice of Warrior 2, Extended Side Angle, Triangle, Half Moon, Supported Pigeon, Supported Dragonfly and Supported Cow Face

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