“Doctor, I have hip pain, sometimes this pain can reach my thighs, and even it becomes difficult to walk, is this a herniated disc in the lumbar spine? "In the clinic, many patients have such doubts. However, is this really a symptom of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine?
In fact, piriformis syndrome can also cause these symptoms. So, when you feel pain in your buttocks and thighs, don't rush to the conclusion that maybe the problem is not in the lumbar disc, but in the small piriformis muscle.
What is piriformis syndrome? - A kind of hip pain that crept in!
Piriformis syndrome, this unfamiliar term can be confusing. In fact, it is closely related to your hip pain, thigh discomfort, and even difficulty walking. The importance of the function of the piriformis muscle, a small muscle deep in the buttocks, cannot be underestimated. However, when it encounters problems, such as spasms or injuries, the sciatic nerve suffers. At this time, you may feel pain in one buttock, and even radiating pain in your thighs and calves.
Piriformis syndrome is a common condition in which the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Peripheral nerve entrapment occurs when the piriformis muscle is damaged, causing inflammation, swelling, and congestion, compressing the sciatic nerve. The main clinical manifestations include pain, a mass in the buttocks, limited movement, and even complications that may lead to deformity.
Do you know how to tell the difference between piriformis syndrome and lumbar disc herniation?
Piriformis syndrome and lumbar disc herniation are both common causes of sciatica**, but they have their own unique causes and pain characteristics. If we can grasp these two points, we can easily distinguish between the two diseases.
01.Different
As mentioned above, piriformis syndrome is mainly caused by the sciatic nerve being entrapped in the buttocks, while lumbar disc herniation is mainly caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
02.Symptoms are different
Piriformis syndrome is mainly manifested by hip pain, usually persistent, mainly manifested by soreness and pain in one or both buttocks, accompanied by radiating pain in the back of the thigh or posterolateral side of the calf, and even limited movement. It may usually worsen with coughing or bowel movements. However, in addition to the pain mentioned above, some patients with lumbar disc herniation may also experience lower back pain. At the same time, it may be accompanied by neurological impairment such as numbness and weakness of the lower limbs, muscle atrophy, and sensory loss.
In addition, there are many subtle differences between piriformis syndrome and lumbar disc herniation. For example, the pain of piriformis syndrome is usually aggravated by holding one position for a long time or making one movement frequently, while the pain of lumbar disc herniation is often aggravated by force in the lower back or after bending over or twisting.
Through the above description, I believe you have a deeper understanding of piriformis syndrome and lumbar disc herniation. In life, we should always pay attention to our physical condition, and once there are abnormal symptoms, we should seek medical attention in time. At the same time, we must also learn to protect our waist and hips, avoid staying in the same position for a long time or overexertion, so that the body can be fully rested and recovered.