Do You Have FAKE Sciatica? Herniated Disc vs Piriformis. How to Tell
Bob & Brad・13 minutes read
Bob and Brad explain the differences between piriformis syndrome and a herniated disc causing sciatica, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis through tests like the straight leg raise. They also discuss how spinal stenosis and hip problems can contribute to leg pain, emphasizing the need for proper treatment and identifying underlying issues through specific tests.
Insights
- Pain down the leg may not always be sciatica; piriformis syndrome is often misidentified as fake sciatica, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis to determine appropriate treatment.
- Various tests such as the straight leg raise and slump test are crucial in diagnosing true sciatica, while symptoms like lack of hip range of motion can indicate underlying issues like spinal stenosis or hip problems causing leg pain, emphasizing the significance of comprehensive evaluation for effective treatment.
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Recent questions
What is piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is often referred to as fake sciatica, where the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg. It can mimic the symptoms of true sciatica but is not caused by a herniated disc.
How is true sciatica diagnosed?
True sciatica is diagnosed using the straight leg raise test, which involves lifting the leg while lying down to see if it causes pain that radiates down the leg. This test helps differentiate between sciatica caused by a herniated disc and other conditions like piriformis syndrome.
What is spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. Shopping cart syndrome, where leaning on a shopping cart provides relief, is a common symptom of spinal stenosis.
How can hip problems cause leg pain?
Hip problems can cause leg pain, often only reaching the knee, due to issues like severe arthritis or back pain. Lack of range of motion in the hip can indicate hip problems, with tests like crossing legs and bending knees helping to identify the underlying cause of the pain.
What are treatment options for sciatica?
Treatment options for sciatica, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, and hip problems causing leg pain include physical therapy, stretching exercises, pain medication, and in severe cases, surgery. Watching videos for treatment guidance on sciatica and related issues is recommended for effective management of the condition.
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Summary
00:00
"Sciatica, Piriformis, Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment"
- Bob and Brad are two well-known physical therapists on the internet.
- They discuss the difference between piriformis syndrome and a herniated disc causing sciatica.
- Piriformis syndrome is referred to as fake sciatica.
- They emphasize that pain down the leg may not always be sciatica.
- The gold standard test for true sciatica is the straight leg raise.
- They demonstrate how to perform the straight leg raise test.
- The slump test is another method to diagnose sciatica.
- They explain how spinal stenosis can cause pain down both legs.
- Shopping cart syndrome is a common symptom of spinal stenosis.
- The video concludes with treatment options for sciatica, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, and hip problems causing leg pain.
09:39
Hip and SI Joint Pain Indicators
- Lack of range of motion in the hip can indicate hip problems, with tests like crossing legs and bending knees helping to identify issues like severe arthritis or back pain causing leg pain, often only reaching the knee.
- Pain referral from the SI joint can extend to the knee, while pain reaching the foot or toes suggests nerve impingement, with watching videos recommended for treatment guidance on sciatica and related issues.
