A common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome, condition where the piriformis muscle spasms entrapping and irritating the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle lies deep under the gluteus maximus muscle lying on top of the sciatic nerve and in certain instances the sciatic nerve paces through the belly of the muscle. Spasm of this muscle leads to localized pain in the buttocks, along with numbness, tingling and pain radiating down the leg and into the foot as it irritates the sciatic nerve. There are several possible causes of this condition including irritation of the SI joint, sprain or strain of the piriformis muscle or localized bleeding in the area.
Piriformis syndrome can be caused by one or any combination of the above in all of these situations the inflammation must be controlled. With the reduction of inflammation the irritation and spasm of the piriformis muscle can be reduced helping relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Back to Back Chiropractic, your San Jose Chiropractor, can help identify which of these is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment to help rectify the situation.
