Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome?

Low back ache. Pain or dull ache in the buttock. Stinging, aching, tingling or throbbing down the back of the leg and possibly into the foot….  You can feel the symptoms all right but what is the problem?

Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome may present with all or any of the above, which may be on one side or both.  They both affect the sciatic nerve but the origin of the problem is different for each condition.

Sciatica includes the above symptoms but the pain is generally on one side only and is more intense in the leg than the back, particularly the front of the lower leg.  Additional symptoms of sciatica include sharp pain rather than a dull ache, numbness and weakness in the affected area which is determined by the location of the compression.   This compression may be caused by a misaligned vertebrae, tightness in the surrounding muscles of the lower back, or a slipped or herniated disc.

Piriformis Syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle becomes tight and shortened and irritates the sciatic nerve that runs behind it.  The piriformis muscle is a deep muscle running horizontally from the sacrum at the base of the spine to the inner edge of the thigh bone. The sciatic nerve runs vertically behind it and may in some cases run through the fibres of the piriformis muscle.  As you can imagine, if this muscle becomes tight it will cause a compression on the sciatic nerve which results in any or all of the above symptoms.  In Piriformis Syndrome the symptoms include increased pain after sitting and when walking up stairs or an incline.

Treatment for both can include physical therapy such as deep tissue massage and spinal manipulation, such as Dorn Method or chiropractic.  These work to release soft tissue tension and where necessary allow the realignment of bones.  Once the muscles have been released and the body has realigned the symtoms usually reduce or disappear quite quickly.  Piriformis Syndrome can also be helped with a stretching programme to release the affected muscles and reduce pain.  See the ‘Stretches for Piriformis Syndrome’ page for more information.

In most cases the above treatments can be effective in treating and eliminating pain from Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome.  However, if things do not improve after the recommended course of treatment (usually 1-3 sessions) then it may be necessary to be referred to your GP.

There are a few more symptoms that should be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible as they may indicate potentially serious conditions.  These include dysfunction of the bowel or bladder (inability to control) and loss of sensation in the legs.  If weakness or numbness persist then medical attention should also be sought.  If in any doubt consult your GP.

To book a consultation for Dorn Method or Deep Tissue Massage (Natalie) or McTimoney Chiropractic (Janet) please call Susan on 01732 850 695 or use the above links for more information.  Please ask for the Practitioner you wish to see by name to ensure you are booked with the right person.