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