Table of Contents
- Common Symptoms of Sciatica
- Common Causes of Sciatica
- Treatments for Sciatic Pain
Sciatic Nerve Anatomy
The piriformis is a muscle that facilitates movement of the thighs and hips, enabling us to walk, maintain balance and move weight from one foot to another. The piriformis muscle originates at the internal surface of the sacrum (end of the spine) and attaches to the trochanter of your femur (beside the hip). The sciatic nerve is a set of nerves that branch off your spinal cord in your lower back and travel down the back of your leg all the way down to your feet. This nerve helps you feel sensation in your legs and helps you move your legs and feet. When the piriformis muscle starts to put pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain, numbness or tingling which is referred to as sciatica (aka piriformis syndrome).
Diagnosing sciatica or sciatic pain correctly is very important. Pain syndromes from your lower back and hips are very often misdiagnosed as sciatica. Actual sciatic pain (sciatica) occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve at/around the level of the hip as shown in the picture above. However, experiencing pain in that area could be from an irritation in your hip joints, lower back muscles, dysfunction of SI joint or lumbar spine. Many problems of the low back region can cause referral pain into the glutes/hip area and thus can be misdiagnosed for sciatic pain.
The importance of a good assessment is key in making sure you are getting the right treatment for whichever condition is causing you to feel similar symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica:
- Pain in the rear leg or hip
- Pain travelling down the glutes and thigh
- Increased pain due to prolong sitting periods
- Potential numbness/tingling Pain with walking/standing
Common Causes of Sciatica:
- Inflammation in/around piriformis muscle due to injury
- Tightness in the piriformis muscle or nearby area (sacroiliac joint or hip)
- Physical inactivity or excessive workouts (overuse)
- Long periods of sitting or standing
Treatments for Sciatic Pain:
To relieve pain, there are distinctive methods to treat piriformis syndrome. Strengthening or stretching the piriformis muscle is the focus point in order to help get rid of this pain, depending on what caused the condition. Some treatment examples include:
- Applying ice to the affected area may help reduce swelling or any inflammation present
- Exercises to help increase range of motion for the muscles involved
- Adjustments from a chiropractor
- Strengthening weak muscles
- Maintaining a good posture Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants
If you’re suffering from Piriformis syndrome or sciatica pain contact us at (403) 890-6666 or book online now with our chiropractor, Dr. Warring!
