Sciatica vs Piriformis Syndrome: Understanding the Differences Between the Two and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Many people complain of what they perceive as sciatic pain. They get a pain radiating down their leg that can go to their foot that may also occur in the butt cheek.

Sciatica though is an injury or irritation to your sciatic nerve in the lower back caused by things such as:

a disc bulge, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, tumors, pelvic injuries, and osteoarthritis.

Piriformis Syndrome on the other hand is a very specific condition caused by the piriformis muscle putting pressure on or irritating the sciatic nerve and causing symptoms such as:

pain, tingling or numbness in the buttock and down the leg, pain that worsens after sitting, climbing stairs, or running, and tenderness in the buttock

Chiropractic care can be beneficial for both conditions by addressing the underlying causes such as muscle imbalances and nerve compression, ultimately reducing pain and improving function

How Chiropractic Care Helps:

• Spinal Adjustments:

  Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to remove subluxations that cause interference to the nervous system in the spine and extremities that may be contributing or causing nerve compression, muscular strains/stretches/imbalances, and ligament stretching. This will restore proper function to the nervous system and to the body, thereby reducing or fixing the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica. 

• Decompression therapy:

  By opening up the disc spaces in the spinal column, this will take pressure off of spinal nerves and thereby fix or reduce the symptoms of sciatica.

• Stretches

  Specific stretches will takes pressure off of irritated or compressed nerves and restore proper function to the area as well as remove pain and other symptoms. This can help both sciatica and piriformis syndrome

• Exercise Recommendations:

  Chiropractors may recommend exercises to strengthen the core, lower back and hip muscles, which can help support the spine and reduce strain on the sciatic nerve. 

• Lifestyle Advice:

  Chiropractors can also provide advice on posture, ergonomics, and other lifestyle factors that can impact spinal health and nerve compression. 

In summary, while piriformis syndrome and sciatica are distinct conditions, chiropractic care can be an invaluable approach to treating and managing both. By addressing the root causes, stopping nerve compression, and improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve function, and promote long-term relief for individuals experiencing either condition