Piriformis Syndrome//Pseudo Sciatica

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome also known as pseudo sciatica is caused when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. This muscle stabilizes the hip joint and allows for rotation of the leg away from the body. It is also involved in maintaining balance. Symptoms of this syndrome often include pain, numbness & tingling which extend down the buttocks into the leg. Often times pain is increased with prolonged sitting or compression of the muscle or when performing activities that involve lifting of the leg.

How can chiropractic care help?

Piriformis Syndrome is often a cause or a result of structural imbalances in the pelvis or lower extremities which causes contracture of the piriformis muscle leading to compression of the sciatic nerve. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore motion back in the joint and relieve stress on that are with focus on relaxation of the muscle and re-strengthening of surrounding muscles.

Stretches for Piriformis Syndrome

-Hip rotator Stretch

-Piriformis Stretch

-Knee to Chest

-Pelvic Tilts

-Lower Abdominal Strengthening

-Hamstring Stretch

Supplementation 

-Vitamin D

-B Vitamins such as B6 & B12

-Turmeric

-N-acetyl cysteine

Dietary 

-Avoid high histamine foods (alcohol, canned foods, cheese, chocolate, nuts, beans)

-Avoid caffeine, excessive salt & sugar. Increase intake of healthy oils/ cold-water fish & avocado

-Avoid foods that contain aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG)// Diet coke & fried foods

-Identify and avoid allergenic foods Increase intake of whole, raw, organic produce

-Drink at least 70 oz of water daily

Lifestyle 

-Epsom Salt baths = Magnesium

-CBD Cream

-Deep Blue Essential Oil

-Light exercise, avoid extension and rotation activities as well as heavy lifting

-Sleep at least 6 hours at a time and allow the body time to heal & reset

-↓stress= ↓inflammation= ↓pain

-Heat to the area

-Massage Therapy/Acupuncture

-Avoid sitting for long periods of times