Pseudo-Sciatica

Pseudo-sciatica is a diagnostic term sometimes used to describe sciatic nerve symptoms which are NOT caused by the typical spinal sources. The term pseudo means false or not real. However, it is a very bad choice of words for this diagnosis for multiple reasons, since the pain is indeed very real and the vast majority of all sciatica pain syndromes should actually be considered pseudo…

pseudo sciatica

Pseudo-Sciatica versus Sciatica

Sciatica is considered a lower back and leg pain syndrome caused by some structural abnormality in the spine. The reason for the symptoms is almost always thought to be the result of nerve compression, either of the spinal nerve roots or the actual spinal cord or cauda equina itself. The typical conditions blamed for creating this nerve compression include:

* Herniated Disc pressing on a nerve root (foraminal stenosis) or impinging on the actual spinal cord (spinal stenosis).

* Osteoarthritis causing osteophyte growth which compresses a nerve root (foraminal stenosis).

* Spondylolisthesis causing spinal stenosis or foraminal stenosis.

Pseudo sciatic nerve symptoms mimic the usual pain profile of sciatica, but are diagnosed as being caused by a NON-SPINAL source.

Causes of Pseudo-Sciatica

There are 2 very popular conditions currently blamed for the majority of pseudo sciatic nerve symptoms, while the actual source of almost all sciatica pain is rarely ever correctly diagnosed… This is so typical of the profit driven back pain industry which sometimes accepts or rejects diagnostic conclusions based upon financial gain…

* Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the powerful piriformis muscle is thought to constrict the actual sciatic nerve, deep inside the pelvis. While this condition can exist, it is quite rare and is diagnosed far more commonly than it actually occurs.

* Sacroiliac Joint Pain is often blamed for ongoing pseudo sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica from the sacroiliac joint is possible, but is typically also misdiagnosed.

Ischemia is the main reason for not only pseudo sciatic nerve symptoms, but also real sciatica. The majority of spinal sciatica complaints have been grossly misdiagnosed, which explains the dismal results of most treatments. Ischemia is the most prevalent causation of all back pain syndromes and is especially worthy of blame in most sciatica, pinched nerve or other radiculopathy syndromes. This scientifically proven painful process has been mostly ignored by the medical industry, since the treatment is free and easy for a patient to enact at home. Just like in many other areas of medicine… If it does not being in money... then it does not exist!

Pseudo-Sciatica Reality

Since many suspected spinally induced sciatica syndromes are actually misdiagnosed and caused by simple ischemia, then the word PSEUDO is really quite redundant. In fact, most sciatic nerve pain is PSEUDO, if you accept that definition of a non-spinal source... Personally, I could care less what you call it. Sciatica is a misery to endure and virtually impossible to cure, as long as you embrace those tired old medical myths about why it exists. Do your own research and learn the facts about sciatica for yourself. You will soon discover that the cure is well within reach. All you have to do is open up your mind and accept it.

Pseudo-Sciatica to Sciatica Home
7/8/08 Revised 12/10/09