Sciatica Treatment

Testing For Piriformis Syndrome or Sciatica

Share

Identification of piriformis syndrome or sciatica requires proper testing and examination. The piriformis muscle begins at the sacrum near the sacroiliac joint and is attached to the femur/thigh bone at the outer area of the hip. The sciatic nerve typically passes under or through the muscle before going down the back of the thigh.

The piriformis helps to turn the hip outward and bring the thigh outward to one side while the hip is bent. This could be when raising the knee and bringing the leg out. An example is stepping out of a car. The muscle also helps to stabilize when walking, running, and standing. Individuals with the sciatic nerve passing through the piriformis have an increased chance of developing piriformis syndrome. It can also be called piriformis sciatica since it is not true sciatica.

Symptoms

Piriformis syndrome does not always present the same way. Common symptoms include pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks that becomes worse when sitting. Other symptoms can include:

  • Pain when sitting, standing, or walking
  • Pain when getting up from a seated/squatting position
  • Pain in the sacroiliac joint
  • Pain and/or pins and needles, burning, tingling, or itching sensation
  • Movement helps to reduce pain symptoms
  • Numbness in the foot

Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for sciatica. This is why proper testing is necessary to provide the appropriate treatment; otherwise, the condition could be made worse or create new injuries.

Causes

  • Primary piriformis syndrome happens when there is a splitting of the piriformis muscle, the sciatic nerve, and/or the sciatic nerve does not run along the normal path.
  • Secondary piriformis syndrome is more common and is caused by inflammation of the soft tissues, muscle spasms, or both. And the result is nerve compression.
  • Direct trauma to the buttock area can definitely cause inflammation, scarring, and contraction of the piriformis muscle. This could be the result of an automobile accident or a fall.
  • The most common cause is a progressive tightening of the muscle brought on by a weakened piriformis muscle.

Testing

Because of the close relation between piriformis syndrome and sciatica, a chiropractic medical professional will perform various tests to determine if symptoms are spinal disc-related or caused by the sciatic nerve getting pinched or impinged by the piriformis muscle. A chiropractor will examine the low back, hip, pelvis, sacroiliac joint, walking gait, posture, and leg length. They will test various body reflexes as well. Other tests can include:

  • Palpation/manipulation of the piriformis muscle
  • A Straight leg raise will be done to see if there is localized pain when pressure is applied to the piriformis muscle and the tendon. The chiropractor will flex the hip at a 90-degree angle and extend/straighten the knee.
  • A Freiberg test will be done to see if pain presents around the piriformis or reproduces symptoms.
  • The Pace maneuver test looks for pain and/or weakness during hip rotation when sitting.
  • The F.A.I.R test stands for flexion, adduction, and internal rotation. This test has the individual lie on the non-affected side while the chiropractor guides the painful leg into hip flexion, turns it in toward the body, and gently turns the lower leg outward.
  • The Beatty maneuver tests for pain while lying on the non-affected side, and the chiropractor elevates the flexed symptomatic leg.
  • Testing for pain or weakness in specific positions is usually conducted for one minute or when the individual experiences symptoms.

In addition to a physical exam, a chiropractor will utilize imaging scans to rule out any other causes. This can include X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Once the source has been diagnosed, treatment can begin. Many individuals wait and see what happens, hoping the problem will disappear. But the sooner the root issue is dealt with, the sooner an individual can return to living pain-free.

Chiropractic For Sciatica Nerve Pain

Β 

References

The Journal of the Osteopathic Medical Association. (November 2008) β€œDiagnosis and Management of Piriformis Syndrome: An Osteopathic Approach ”jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2093614

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Testing For Piriformis Syndrome or Sciatica" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Recent Posts

Discover the Benefits and Uses of Almond Flour

For individuals practicing a low-carbohydrate eating style or want to try an alternative flour, can… Read More

March 29, 2024

Overcoming Exercise Fears: Tips for Starting Your Fitness Journey

"For individuals who want to exercise but have fears or concerns, can understanding what they… Read More

March 28, 2024

Relieve Back and Hip Pain with a Pillow Between the Legs

For individuals with back pain, can sleeping with a pillow between or under their knees… Read More

March 27, 2024

Unlock the Power of Peppermint: Natural Relief for Digestive Issues

For individuals dealing with digestive issues or bowel disorders, can adding peppermint to a nutrition… Read More

March 26, 2024

Eczema Relief: Exploring the Benefits of Acupuncture

For individuals dealing with eczema, can incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan help manage and… Read More

March 25, 2024

Recognizing Whiplash: Signs and Symptoms Explained

Those experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headache, shoulder and back pain may suffer from a whiplash… Read More

March 22, 2024