Sciatica

Sciatica Due to Piraformis Syndrome

Sciatica is a common condition we treat clients with. Sciatica is characterized by numbness, tingling and/or pain that radiates along the route of the sciatic nerve, usually on one side of the body, but in some cases it can affect both sides. The sciatic nerve which branches from the lumbar spine (more specifically L4, L5, S1, S2 & S3), through the buttock and then continues down the back of the leg and calf.

Sciatica can have different causes including obesity, occupation, prolonged sitting and general “wear and tear” due to age. The most common cause that we treat at our office is sciatica due to piraformis syndrome. With sciatica due to piraformis syndrome, the piraformis muscle (a deep lateral rotator in the gluteal region) is tightly held, thus pressing on the nearby sciatic nerve which goes down the back of the leg, causing numbness, tingling and pain in either just the buttock or the entire length of the leg. 

Massage therapy can help tremendously if the cause is due to the piraformis muscle being tight, but it is always best to get a diagnosis and/or x-ray from your physician to rule out any other causes.  The focus of the treatment includes massage therapy techniques that relax and loosen the musculature and fascia in and around the lumbar spine, sacrum, gluteal muscles, 6 deep lateral rotators (focusing specifically on the piraformis muscle), in addition the hamstrings and calves if the pain radiates down to the foot.

We also perform stretches for piraformis and surrounding hip muscles to bring relief in addition to showing you stretches you can use at home. You do not need to suffer. Please give us a call if you are experiencing sciatica.