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First Choice Allied Health Blog

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Is my lower back pain Sciatica or Bursitis?

Back Pain

The signs of Sciatica include pain that originates from the lower back and radiates down one or both legs. But there are other conditions that mimic some of the symptoms of Sciatica, such as Bursitis.

If you experience pain involving the lower back and legs you could be suffering from Sciatica. Common signs of Sciatica include pain that originates from the lower back and radiates down one or both legs. The pain can be sharp like a jolt or a constant ache. It is not unusual to feel weak in the legs and have trouble walking normally. But there are other conditions that mimic some of the symptoms of Sciatica.

Could Bursitis be the cause?

Bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs found near joints. Bursa help joints to move easily by helping muscles and tendons to glide over bone and other structures. 

Ischial bursitis is a condition in which the bursa of the pelvis become swollen and painful. Ischial bursitis causes pain in the lower part of the buttocks that can travel down the leg. The pain might be aggravated by sitting and also with activities involving stretching or contraction of the hamstring muscles such as climbing stairs or squatting.

A common cause of ischial bursitis is overloading of the hamstring muscles due to increased or excessive activity or through prolonged sitting – possibly on hard surfaces.

Trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa in the hip become irritated. Bursitis is one of the most common causes of hip pain and affects an area of bone called the trochanter which is located at the tip of the thigh bone. Trochanteric bursitis can cause significant hip pain that worsens with physical activity especially when a person walks upstairs. Unfortunately trochanteric bursitis can make sleep difficult as the pain worsens when a person is lying down or has been lying on their side for some time.

Common causes of trochanteric bursitis include overuse from cycling or running for extended periods as well as poor posture, such as sitting in a curved position.

Therefore, it’s important to get your back pain check out properly to find the real cause of the pain.

If you are feeling pain or something unusual get an expert opinion and get in touch. Your body is telling you that something is wrong!

Don’t Wait Any Longer. Get In Touch To Start Your Journey Towards Good Health Today.