Is my pain Sciatica or is it something else? - Natasha Eekhout (Paladin Biokineticists)

At least 1 out of 10 people have experienced that sharp radiating pain down the side and back of the thigh, and typically most people google this only to diagnose themselves and find out, ‘Hey I have sciatica!’ Sometimes google isn’t always right and sometimes diagnosing yourself isn’t the best thing to do either. So how do you tell the difference?

Let’s have a look at what it actually is and some causes associated with this irritating condition. Firstly what is sciatica? The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back all the way down the back of both legs. When this nerve is irritated usually due to being compressed, you will experience pain along the length of the nerve, which may radiate throughout the buttocks and down the legs. The intensity of the pain is dependent on the severity of irritation or compression, and

can range from being intermittent and manageable to downright debilitating. Usually the sensation experienced causes numbness, burning tingling and may be exacerbated by sitting.

The causes are varied and include lumbar disc herniation, muscle tightness, spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis, and general disc degeneration. Often sciatica is misdiagnosed and although you may be experiencing similar symptoms, there are conditions that may mimic sciatica:

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ): is a common cause of general leg and lower back pain and often results from hypermobility or hypomobility.
• Piriformis syndrome: is among the most common! This occurs when the piriformis muscle is inflamed or very tight, thus compressing the sciatic nerve running through or under it.
• Joint problems: such as spinal arthritis can cause similar symptoms.

One tip I’d like to give you, is to never diagnose yourself! The abundance of causes of this strange pain can be attributed to many different conditions even including spinal tumours, cauda equina syndrome or spinal infections. This doesn’t mean you have either, but the safest option is to visit that good old doctor of yours for an accurate diagnosis along with accurate treatment. Biokineticists aim to get down to the ‘root’ of the problem and to ensure your sciatica calms the heck down! 

Natasha completed her BSc Sports Science undergraduate degree at The University of Johannesburg and her BHSc honours degree in Biokinetics at The University of the Witwatersrand. 

She has a passion for a variety of sports in particular soccer, tennis, running and kickboxing which have contributed to a strong interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation and working with athletes. Other areas of focus include diabetic and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as weight loss and a keen enthusiasm for working with children of all ages. 

Natasha can be contacted on 082 476 9727 or natashaeekhout@kinetics.co.za

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction - Melissa Biffi (Paladin Biokineticists)

What is the (SI) Joint?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are formed by the connection of the sacrum (triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine) and the right and left iliac bones (two large bones that make up the pelvis). While most of the bones (vertebrae) of the spine are mobile, the sacrum is made up of five vertebrae that are fused together and do not move. The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis and the sacrum and the iliac bones are held together by a group of strong ligaments.

There is relatively little motion at the SI joints, most of the motion in the area of the pelvis occurs either at the hips or the lumbar spine. When and individual is sitting upright of standing these joints  need to support the entire weight of the upper body, which places a large amount of stress across them and this can lead to wearing of the cartilage of the SI joints if the supporting muscles and ligaments are not strong enough.

Causes of SI joint dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction is a term used to refer to a condition that causes pain in the SI joints from a specific cause. There are a few common causes of SI joint dysfunction and these are conditions that change the normal walking pattern which places additional stress on the SI joints, This could include a leg length discrepancy (one leg longer than the other), or pain in the hip, knee, ankle or foot.

Degenerative arthritis is a common cause of SI joint dysfunction. As with most other joints in the body, the SI joints have a cartilage layer covering the bone. The cartilage allows for some movement and acts as a shock absorber between the bones. When this cartilage is damaged or worn away, the bones begin to rub on each other, and degenerative arthritis occurs. This is the most common cause of SI joint dysfunction.

Another common cause of SI joint dysfunction is pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormones are released in the female's body that allows for relaxation of ligaments which prepares the body for childbirth. Relaxation of the ligaments holding the SI joints together allows for increased motion in the joints and can lead to increased stresses and abnormal wear. The additional weight and walking pattern associated with pregnancy also places increased stress on the SI joints, 

What are symptoms of SI joint dysfunction?

The most common symptoms of SI joint dysfunction is sacroiliac pain. Pain in the SI joint is often related to either too much motion (hypermobility) or not enough (hypomobility) in the joint. Individuals often experience pain in the lower back or the back of the hips and can also be present in the groin and thighs. The pain is typically worse with standing and walking and improved when lying down. Inflammation and arthritis in the SI joint can also cause stiffness and a burning sensation in the pelvis.

How can Biokinetics help SI joint dysfunction?

 Biokinetics will focus on prescribing a specific individualised exercise regimen according to the needs of each person. The program will consist of low-impact aerobic activities , range of motion exercises for flexibility ,strength training  to improve muscle tone and stretching exercises. Exercise can help reduce pain and fatigue and improve muscle and bone strength. It is very important that the correct exercises be prescribed and done obediently, as incorrect exercises; a lack of effective management of SI Joint dysfunction and poor compliance of the individual can lead to progression of and increase pain of the SI Joint.

Melissa Biffi obtained her BCom Sports Management Degree at the University of Johannesburg and completed her Honours in Biokinetics at the University of Witwatersrand.

She has a special interest in dancing and other sports such as soccer and hockey, which lead to her interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation, particularly knee rehabilitation.

Melissa is also very passionate about working with children in specific areas such as rehabilitation and development of individuals from very young ages all the way through to adolescents.

Melissa can be contacted on 082 822 9677 or melissabiffi@kinetics.co.za