Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome

Sciatica can be a very painful condition and is one of the most common reasons why people visit a Chiropractor.

Sciatica is usually caused by a combination of problems with the joints of the lower back, and the muscles of the hip and leg. The piriformis muscle is a key player in sciatica because it crosses over top of the sciatic nerve (piriformis syndrome).

Chiropractic and Active Release Technique are an incredibly effective combination for treatment of sciatica since they address both the joints of the lower back and muscles of the hip and leg.

 

What is Sciatica?  What are the Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is not an actual diagnosis, but a set of symptoms. Sciatica is often described as pain or pulling from the lower back, down through the buttocks and along the back of the leg, usually on one side. 

Sciatica most often occurs in people between the ages of 25 and 50, and usually comes about as the result of wear and tear on the lower back and muscles of the hip and buttock. Depending on the severity, there may be numbness, tingling or even the feeling of electric shocks down the back of the leg to the foot. Others may feel cramping or intense dull pain, often in the buttock, lower part of the leg or calf.  When sciatica results from the piriformis muscle putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, this is referred to as Piriformis Syndrome.

 

What Causes Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is typically caused by compression or ‘pinching’ of the sciatic nerve, and is often the result of wear and tear or stress placed on the lower back. Pain from sciatica often comes on gradually and tends to worsen over time. 

It sometimes starts as the result of coughing, sneezing, twisting or bending, but is more commonly the result of prolonged sitting or standing. In the lower back it can be caused by arthritis or wear and tear on the joints, or in some cases by disc bulge or disc herniation. This type of sciatica responds very well to Chiropractic care.

 

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome and Piriformis Pain?

Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. As the sciatic nerve exits the lower back, it runs down through the buttocks directly underneath the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis muscle is injured or tight it can press on the sciatic nerve causing sciatica. Running, cycling, overuse injuries, and sitting for long periods of time are common causes of piriformis syndrome. 

 

Effective Treatment for Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome

For most people, sciatica responds very well to Chiropractic treatment and Active Release Technique.  Chiropractic can help restore normal function to the joints of the lower back, eliminating irritation to the sciatic nerve.

Active Release Technique (ART) can quickly restore normal function to the piriformis and hip muscles, eliminating irritation, pain and inflammation around the nerve. Therapeutic stretching, exercise, and postural changes can help reduce the chance of sciatica reoccurring. 

The good news is, the vast majority of sciatica cases will recover quickly with a combination of Chiropractic and Active Release, while avoiding the need for surgery. In fact, in 2007 the Annals of Internal Medicine published guidelines stressing a conservative approach to treatment, such as Chiropractic care.

 

Treatment of Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome in Bellevue, WA

If you’re interested in learning about how Chiropractic and Active Release Technique can eliminate your sciatica or piriformis syndrome, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey.  His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in Downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital.  Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!