Sciatica

Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome


Sciatica and piriformis syndrome can seem quite similar, parularly in terms of symptoms, and this similarity in how they feel has caused considerable confusion for doctors and patients alike. Some individuals have stated that they are actually the same thing, but despite similarities in symptoms, the underlying causes of the two conditions are different.

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic often mis-spelled as syatic or psyatic nerve, that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or "true" sciatica is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve compression and inflammation, may extend down the entire leg to the ankle and foot.

Piriformis syndrome is sometimes called false sciatica, because instead of actual nerve irritation, it is caused by referral pain. caused by tight knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which attaches to the upper femur bone and then runs across the back of the pelvis to the outside edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone at the base of the spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and may be indistinguishable from true sciatica.

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

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of true sciatica are very similar to piriformis syndrome. Both cause pain, tingling, burning, electrical shock sensations, and or numbness down 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 functional problems in the joints of the back and pelvis and they may even be present simultaneously in the same person, so it an be difficult to tell them apart.

But since the most effective treatment for the two conditions varies significantly  it is important 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 can be differentiated from piriformis syndrome with a couple of simple test maneuvers. To begin, from a seated position, one straightens the knee on the side of sciatic pain, holding the leg out straight and parallel to the floor, and if this position causes an increas in symptoms, it is a good indicator of true sciatica.

The second maneuver is done in two parts. First, from the sitting position one bends the leg and pulls the knee on the painful side towards the same-side 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 side shoulder. An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformis syndrome.

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

• To correct this make sure the arch of the foot on the same side as the sciatica is not collapsing, causing internal rotation of the femur, causing the piriformis constantly contract to try to counter the collapsing internal rotation. Otherwise any other treatment will simply be treating the symptom.

  
  

5 Therapeutic Herbs for Sciatica

5 Therapeutic Herbs for Sciatica

The human population in the Patalkot valley is purely tribal. Due to constant association with forest environment, the tribals have accrued considerable knowledge of plants and their utility for medicinal purposes. The uses of many of the medicinal plants employed by tribals are, however, not known outside their restricted community (Acharya and Shrivastava, 2008, 2011). Several plant species inhabiting the region are recognized for their medicinal potential. The age-old herbal healers employ several formulations for resolving a range of human health disorders (Acharya, 2012).

The fast paced urban life has resulted series of disorders, and sciatica is one among many of those. People with job of prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyle are more prone to develop sciatica than those who are active and living with a set biological clock. Sciatica is a pain in the buttock and leg, caused by pressure on nerves in the lower back. The pain is mainly felt on one side of the body, which is usually aggravated by a prolonged exposure to cold weather. Herbal healers known as Bhumka employ certain herbs for curing sciatica. Let me discuss formulations pertaining to 5 wonder herbs considered by the indigenous tribesmen for taking care of sciatica.
Abrus precatorius Linn. (Jaquirity, Crab's Eye)



Jaquirity is a member of family Fabaceae and locally known as Ratti. It is a perennial twine with pale purple or pink flowers

According to herbal healers of Patalkot, seed oil should be prepared and applied over the painful body parts. For this, take 50g seeds, crush it properly and simmer it in 200ml edible oil for 15 minutes. Filter it and apply over the painful body parts. It is said that the seeds of this plant are analgesic in nature. In some parts of the valley, healers collect Jaquirity leaves (50g) and Garlic (Allium sativum) cloves (10 nos.). Both the herbs should be crushed in a mortar and pestle and it is then applied over painful body part for 3 times a day. This is traditionally continued for a month.
Allium sativum Linn. (Garlic)



Garlic is member of family Liliaceae. Garlic locally known as Lahsun is a known spice. It is a small herb with half tunicated bulb with grasslike flat linear leaves.

Dired Garlic buds are said to be very effective remedy for treating sciatica. About 40 gm Garlic buds should be crushed and added in 500 ml milk and boiled till it remains half. Divide it in two parts; take one in the morning and other in the evening. Healers also advice patient to take 4 raw Garlic buds everyday early in the morning. It is commonly acknowledged by tribal peoples to relieve pain.
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. (Tree of Sorrow/ Night Jasmine)



This member of Oleaceae is a very popular shrub or small tree in tribal areas. It is locally known as Harshringar.

As per the indigenous healers, the bark of the plant in combination with certain other plants/ parts is useful in curing sciatica. They prepare extract of the bark and apply over the painful parts. For this, they take 200g bark and to it, 10g Ginger rhizome powder, 5 g fresh Garlic cloves, Camphor (15g) and 3 liter water is added. The whole mixture is boiled till it remains 1/4th. It is filtered and applied externally and massaged into the body to get rid of pain.
Piper longum Linn. (Long Pepper)



Long Pepper is a member of Piperaceae family; locally known as Lendi Peepar. It is a slender under shrub, creeping or rooting below, grown in southern part of India.

Tribesmen prepare seed decoction. Seeds (15g) are boiled in water (100ml) for 5 minutes and filtered. About 10ml decoction should be taken and to it, add pinch of Camphor and Ginger rhizome powder. It is mixed thoroughly and applied externally to the painful body parts.
Curcuma longa Linn. (Turmeric)



This member of Zingiberaceae family is locally known as Haldi. It is a herb about 2-3 feet high with fleshy rhizomes of yellow-orange colour inside.

Equal amount of Turmeric (rhizome), Long Pepper (fruits) and Garlic (buds) should be ground properly and to it, add water so that it looks like a paste. This paste should be topically two to three times a day for a month. It helps in minimizing the pain.

As mentioned above, these are the therapeutic herbs that could be of great help in combating problems related to sciatica. But there are also other best suited options for the same if you really want to avoid this disorder. First of all, pay attention to your biological clock, have food in time and follow a regular exercise regime to maintain the body fitness. Start avoiding long-term sitting tasks. Do not forget to take frequent gap, walk a little and come back to desk. Sitting idle for hours at one place can lead you to a big trouble. If already a sciatica patient, consider exercises and stretches that could be done on a daily basis to help ease the pain. If those exercises and stretches do the trick, continue it on regular basis and in the meantime, you may consider Indian tribal's herbal options. Stay healthy.

Acupressure Points for Hip, Lower Back Pain & Sciatica

Acupressure Points for Hip, Lower Back Pain & Sciatica




Key Acupressure Points for Hip, Lower Back Pain and SciaticaI know that millions of people could get help if they knew these acupressure points for relieving hip pain, lower backaches, and sciatic pain. I think having these acupressure points both illustrated on an anatomical drawing and seeing how to press them in a photo – makes it clear where these points are located as well as how to press them. These points are like my friends. Continue reading and I’ll share how I have used them to heal others and myself.



For best results press down and inward gradually, towards the center of your pelvis, and hold firmly for a couple of minutes, then release gradually. So many people suffer from pain deep in this pelvic area. Acupressure point location for B 48 is one to two finger widths outside the large bony area at the base of the spine (sacrum) and midway between the top of the hipbone (iliac crest) and the base of the buttocks.

Lower Back Pain: I will never forget the woman who came to my acupressure class of over 50 social workers. She told me that she had so much lower back pain that she couldn’t sit in a chair; she had to lie down. At the break, when she asked for help with her lower back pain, these pelvic points surprised both of us. Even though the acupressure points illustrated above were so much lower than the pain in her back, they relieved it significantly in just 10 minutes.

For Sciatica: These acupressure points are the most effective spots on the body for relieving sciatica and hip pain. To relieve this pain, get a one-pound sack of beans and lay on your side so the sack of beans presses into these points. Adjust the position of your legs so it hurts good.

Child Birth & Postpartum: My wife and I decided on having a home birth. The B 48 acupressure points, called the “Womb and Vitals” were the most important points for assisting my wife to dilate and have our baby. These points are also excellent for postpartum recovery. I will be writing more about this experience in future articles in order to empower those who are fortunate to assist a birth, so stay tuned.

Benefits: Sciatica, hip pain, bladder weakness, urinary problems, hemorrhoids, lower backaches, and pain that goes down the leg.

Bud