Have you ever experienced a sharp pain that travels from your lower back or hip all the way down your leg, and the people around you went like, “It is sciatic pain”? Well, the fact is that not all leg pain going down is Sciatica. A high number of patients who are treated in physiotherapy clinics have the same complaint and think that they have “sciatica”, but in reality, they have Piriformis Syndrome — a muscle problem, not a spinal nerve issue. Misdiagnosis leads to incorrect exercises, longer recovery times, and repeated episodes of pain. This is why understanding the distinction between these two conditions is very important for speedy recovery and correct physiotherapy treatment. Today, you will learn the precise difference between Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica, and also how to determine which one you might actually have, because the treatment is different for the two.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis is a small muscle that is situated deep in the hip region. When this particular muscle is tight, inflamed or damaged in any way, it ends up putting pressure on the sciatic nerve that is lying under it.
The following are the signs of Piriformis Syndrome:
- Pain experienced mostly in buttock and hip region
- Pain gets worse when sitting or driving
- Pain goes away when lying down
- Hard to move leg outwards or go upstairs
This is an issue with the muscle.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is the condition when the sciatic nerve gets pinched at the spinal level (low back) – in most cases due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve root compression.
Signs of Sciatica:
- Sharp pain from back to leg
- Leg feels full or has no sensation
- Weakness in the leg muscles
- Pain is worse when bending, coughing, or sneezing
It’s a nerve root issue.
Also Know: Best Sciatica Pain Treatment in Lahore
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
The same nerve is affected in both conditions.
But the reason is different.
If the reason is muscle = muscle release, stretching & strengthening
If the reason is spine = spinal manual therapy, decompression, nerve glide therapy
This is the main reason why self-diagnosis from Google or home exercises from YouTube can lead to the worsening of the condition.
Where to Get Expert Treatment of Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome in Lahore?
At Physio Resource, the leading physiotherapy center in Gulberg, the most qualified physiotherapists in Lahore, our first step is to determine if the pain is originating in the spine or the piriformis muscle by means of a state-of-the-art neuro-musculoskeletal assessment. Once the diagnosis is made, our specialists will create a unique program that consists of manual therapy, nerve mobilization techniques, dry needling, electrotherapy, and specific strengthening exercises.
If your leg pain is recurring – you may be addressing the wrong location.
Book Your Consultation
Do not allow incorrect assumptions to prolong your recovery.
Come to Physio Resource (Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Gulberg Lahore) and be assessed by specialists who handle spine & nerve conditions every day.
Physio Resource
Phone No: 0304-4283442
Address: 93-A1, Gurumangat Road, Gullberg, III Lahore
Written by: Dr. Ahmad Bilal (Consultant Physiotherapist – MS NMPT, Expert in Spine Pain & Nerve Disorders)
