Piriformis Syndrome

Sciatica is one of the most common issues people seek relief for. At the ACT Wellness Center in Woodbridge. we’re proud to say that we are able to treat it and other forms of nerve compression quickly and safely, but it’s important to recognize that sciatica can be caused by several things. A less-common but still significant cause of pelvic and leg pain is Piriformis Syndrome, and we want our patients to understand why it matters. 

 

 The sacrum is a body of fused vertebrae beneath the lumbar region of the spine. Several thick muscles in the pelvis connect to it, including the piriformis muscles. The piriformis muscles are wedge-shaped, located deep under several other tissues layers, and connect the sacrum to the tops of the femurs. There is one piriformis muscle on each side of the body. When functioning properly, they help to rotate the hip outward. The sciatic nerves originate from the lumbar spine, a bit above the sacrum, and run through the pelvis to the legs. They must pass through or around the piriformis muscles, and when a piriformis muscle is irritated, it could compress a sciatic nerve. 

 

Piriformis Syndrome shares symptoms with other lower back ailments, but it’s likelier to be the problem when the patient only feels pain or numbness on one side. At our office, we’ll perform imaging and range-of-motion tests to screen for other possibilities while making a diagnosis. We offer several options for reducing inflammation, including pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and electric muscle stimulation. Dr. Carmelo Caratozzolo is also a chiropractic sports physician who can recommend stretches that will make the piriformis muscles more flexible in the future. 

 If you suffer from lower back, hip, or leg pain, contact Dr. Carmel Caratozzolo at ACT Wellness Center, 14111 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, Virginia. Call 703-491-9355.