Sciatica & Piriformus Syndrome
Sciatica is one of the most commonly treated conditions that we administer in our practice. Sciatica occurs when one of the spinal nerve roots of the sciatic nerve becomes compressed which can lead to lower back pain, gluteal pain (buttock) and pain down the leg. The sciatic nerve (SN) is the largest in the body, and is roughly the same thickness as your index finger. The SN runs from the lumbar spine, through the buttock and runs down the legs to the feet.
Symptoms of this condition usually only feel pain on one side but is caused by irritation or compression to the nerve sending painful signals throughout this area of the body. Through conservative treatment methods and careful manipulation of the muscles and joints, the pain can become manageable, minimal and in most cases go away, however the pain can last for several months even with careful treatment.
Symptoms of this condition usually only feel pain on one side but is caused by irritation or compression to the nerve sending painful signals throughout this area of the body. Through conservative treatment methods and careful manipulation of the muscles and joints, the pain can become manageable, minimal and in most cases go away, however the pain can last for several months even with careful treatment.
Sciatic pain is described by most people as a large shooting pain in the lower back, buttock or down the leg. Numbness, burning or tingling sensations are also used to describe the issue. Sitting for long periods, moving, sneezing or coughing can ignite the pain.
The SN has 5 spinal exit points- L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3. The position/route of the pain is often determined by which spinal route nerve is affected.
Our sciatic therapy firstly diagnoses the cause of your sciatica whether from a herniated disc or bulging disc in the spine pressing on the nerve causing irritation and discomfort. From the assessment, we will then begin to work on a series of techniques aimed to relieve pain straight away, continue treatment and alterations to your posture when seated and standing will continue to release the compression on the nerve, realign the disc and aid recovery.
Please arrange an appointment to discuss our sciatic treatment further and let's start managing your sciatic pain.
The SN has 5 spinal exit points- L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3. The position/route of the pain is often determined by which spinal route nerve is affected.
Our sciatic therapy firstly diagnoses the cause of your sciatica whether from a herniated disc or bulging disc in the spine pressing on the nerve causing irritation and discomfort. From the assessment, we will then begin to work on a series of techniques aimed to relieve pain straight away, continue treatment and alterations to your posture when seated and standing will continue to release the compression on the nerve, realign the disc and aid recovery.
Please arrange an appointment to discuss our sciatic treatment further and let's start managing your sciatic pain.
Piriformus Syndrome
The Piriformis is a muscle located within the glutes (buttocks). The piriformis runs directly over the SN, some people, the Pirifomis actually runs under the Sciatic Nerve.
If the Piriformis is ‘tight’, this can cause the compression on the SN, which will then produce the same symptoms and feelings as previously discussed with Sciatica. Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome include Massage, Dry Needling, Stretching, Anti-inflammatory tablets, muscle relaxants and avoiding activities which can aggravate the muscle such as Running and Cycling.
Strengthening the Glute Max, Medius, and Hamstrings can help relieve the strain on the Piriformis.
If the Piriformis is ‘tight’, this can cause the compression on the SN, which will then produce the same symptoms and feelings as previously discussed with Sciatica. Treatments for Piriformis Syndrome include Massage, Dry Needling, Stretching, Anti-inflammatory tablets, muscle relaxants and avoiding activities which can aggravate the muscle such as Running and Cycling.
Strengthening the Glute Max, Medius, and Hamstrings can help relieve the strain on the Piriformis.