Sciatica Relief: How Myotherapy Helps You Move Better
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve.
You might feel:
A sharp or burning pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
Numbness or tingling in the affected leg
Weakness when standing, walking, or lifting your foot
Sciatica is often worse when sitting for long periods, bending forward, or standing up after rest. Some people may feel pain in one part of the leg and numbness in another, which can make it confusing to identify the root cause.
While sciatica is commonly associated with nerve compression due to a herniated lumbar disc, other conditions, such as piriformis syndrome or gluteus minimus referral pain, can mimic its symptoms (Ostelo, 2020). Understanding the differences is crucial in guiding appropriate treatment.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a standalone diagnosis but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. The most common cause is a herniated lumbar disc compressing the nerve root, leading to inflammation and pain (Ostelo, 2020). Other potential causes include:
Lumbar stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress nerves.
Spondylolisthesis – A condition where one vertebra slips over another.
Malignancy – In rare cases, tumors pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Research suggests that sciatica pain is not solely due to mechanical pressure but also involves inflammatory and immunological responses (Ostelo, 2020).
Sciatica vs. Piriformis Syndrome vs. Gluteus Minimus Referral Pain
Since sciatica shares symptoms with other conditions, it's important to distinguish between them. Here’s a comparison:
Condition | Cause | Symptoms | Key Differences |
Sciatica | Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve (commonly from a herniated disc) | Radiating pain from the lower back down the leg, numbness, weakness, worsens with coughing/sneezing | Usually follows a specific nerve root pattern, positive straight leg raise test (Ostelo, 2020) |
Piriformis Syndrome | The piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve | Buttock pain, radiating leg pain, worsens with prolonged sitting | Pain increases with external rotation of the hip, relief with lying down (Danazumi et al., 2021) |
Gluteus Minimus Referral Pain | Trigger points in the gluteus minimus muscle | Deep aching pain in the hip, referred pain down the leg | No nerve compression, pain does not follow a dermatomal pattern, pressure on gluteus minimus reproduces pain |
How Myotherapy Can Help with Sciatica
While each case is unique, myotherapy can be an effective approach for managing sciatic pain by addressing muscular imbalances, reducing nerve irritation, and improving movement patterns. Some common techniques include:
Soft Tissue Therapy – Helps release tight muscles, particularly in the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.
Neural Mobilization – A technique that encourages the sciatic nerve to move freely, reducing its sensitivity (Miller et al., 2017).
Targeted Strength and Mobility Exercises – Helps restore balance in the muscles supporting the spine and pelvis, reducing strain on the sciatic nerve (Ostelo, 2020).
Postural Education and Movement Advice – Teaching clients how to move efficiently to prevent aggravation of symptoms.
Seeking Help for Sciatica-Like Pain
Sciatic pain can be debilitating, but understanding its causes and differentiating it from similar conditions is key to effective management. Myotherapy offers a hands-on approach to relieving pain, restoring movement, and preventing recurrence. If you're experiencing sciatic symptoms, seeking professional assessment can help guide you toward the right treatment plan.
If you're experiencing sciatic pain, book an appointment at KEC-Start to explore how myotherapy can help you move with ease again.
References:
Danazumi, M. S., Yakasai, A. M., Ibrahim, A. A., Shehu, U. T., & Ibrahim, S. U. (2021). Effect of integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique compared with positional release technique in the management of piriformis syndrome. Journal of Osteopath Medicine, 121(8), 693-703.
Miller, T. A., Johnson, S. M., Roberts, K. J., & Smith, R. B. (2017). Effectiveness of manual therapy for treating sciatica: A randomized controlled trial. Manual Therapy Journal, 22(3), 112-120.
Ostelo, R. W. (2020). Clinical guidelines for the management of sciatica: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 66(1), 6-16.
Comentarios