Bursitis Vs Sciatica

Two neuromuscular conditions that have similar symptoms but different causes are Bursitis and Sciatica. Both the complications affect the nerves severely and extend from lower back to legs.

Where sciatica is basically the pain arising due to general compression of one of the largest nerve i.e. sciatic nerve; Bursitis is the inflammation or bursae which are sac-filled cushions, which helps in the movement of joints, basically the hip joint. Now when the joint moves, pain and discomfort occurs in the affected region that is due to irritation of muscles near the bursa.

Symptoms of Bursitis
Bursitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

* Localized tenderness of joint of buttocks
* Tingling as well as numbness
* Limited movement in affected areas
* Redness or swelling in buttock region

Main causes of Bursitis
Trauma, infection, as well as crystal deposits are the main causes behind Bursitis.

* Trauma- Inflammatory bursitis is caused due to trauma that primarily leads in widened blood vessels. Due to this, extracellular fluid or proteins enter into bursae. Bursae retort against the foreign particles and swell the place.

* Infection- Bursae near the skin get infected with organisms that cause bacteria. Diabetic patients or alcoholics are at a higher risk of developing bursitis, due to infections.

* Crystal deposits- Sufferers of scleroderma, gout or rheumatoid arthritis are at a risk of developing bursitis due to crystal deposition.

Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica sufferers can identify sciatica with the following symptoms:

* Pain in lower parts of the body
* Tingling
* Discomfort
* Burning sensation
* Numbness
* Muscular weakness

Main causes leading to Sciatica
Main reason that causes sciatica is undue pressure that lies upon the sciatic nerve causing compression or pinching of the nerve. Besides, this whole is caused by spinal dysfunction. Sciatica arises due to herniated disk, pregnancy, sacroiliac joint dysfunction or piriformis syndrome. The other reasons that can cause Sciatica are tumors, internal bleeding, injury and infections.

Are you suffering from Bursitis or Sciatica?
As both, Sciatica and Bursitis have the same symptoms, it becomes difficult for the patients to identify the problem they are suffering from. But, you can simply differentiate between Sciatica as well as Bursitis as Bursitis is accompanied only by hip pain. On the other hand, a Sciatica sufferer gets sensation of needles & pins in the lower back area or the legs. Bursitis is localized whereas sciatica affects many areas.

How to be sure of Bursitis or Sciatica?
Go to a physician and he will check your affected areas where you are sensing pain as well as discomfort. The doctor will do the MRI and locate the reason of the pain.