12/13/2022
From Dr. Carol Samuel
Why Do We Get Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome?
Sciatica and piriformis syndrome are similar in that they are both issues involving the sciatic nerve but also very different. There are many possible reasons for the onset of sciatic pain.
In many cases something is pressing on the sciatic nerve—most often a slipped or herniated disc. These are the discs that live in between the vertebrae of the spine, often referred to as intervertebral discs. These discs slip and degenerate for all different reasons.
First of all, genetics and imitation play a role. So a family can truly have a bad back issue through many generations where the integrity of the spine is compromised.
Discs also become damaged because of trauma. There’s the trauma of an acute injury, like a car accident. There’s also extended emotional trauma.
Our bodies remember everything, and we store tension in our muscles. A history of emotional trauma is going to affect the physical structure of the body.
Our posture can contribute to poor bone alignment and poor muscle tone, both of which can lead to slipped discs. Diet and nutrition can also play a role in the development of our bodies, and the health of the spine.
You could also be experiencing sciatica or sciatic pain from a bone pressing into the sciatic nerve. Certain conditions can lead to degeneration of the spine that may result in bone pressing onto the spinal column or the root of the sciatic nerve. Also, the nerves at the base of the spine are vulnerable.
The spinal cord stops growing in infancy, but the bones of the spine and the rest of the body continue to grow.
The spinal cord ends near the top of the lumbar spine and yet a bunch of exposed nerve roots continues the journey towards the lower extremities. As a result of this, it becomes very easy for something to irritate one of these nerves.
In the case of piriformis syndrome, there is a muscle pressing on the sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve actually forms directly in front of the piriformis muscle.
So if the piriformis muscle goes into spasm, then it will press on the sciatic nerve and create the same radiating pain that you’d get from a bone or disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Muscles spasm for similar reasons – genetics, physical and emotional trauma, poor posture, diet, and nutrition.
In all of these situations, whether it is muscle or bone or disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, the key to healing both sciatica and piriformis syndrome is to change your habits.
Those with chronic pain have an immediate incentive to seek solutions in changing their habits. Others may have pain every so often, but they too should change their habits to prevent the situation from continuing or growing worse.
Perhaps you always seem to get injured in the same place or on the same side.
Maybe you’ve been to physical therapy that has been effective only for the injury to recur again at a later date.
Those who have had surgery should definitely examine their habits to create new, healthy patterns.
Or perhaps you are not in pain but recognize these postural issues in yourself and know people in your life with sciatica.
For all of us, it is vital to our health and healing that we consider the nature of the ways in which we move, get injured, and recover. How you live, move, and care for yourself will determine the quality of your life.
If you want to learn more about these troubling issues I have a workshop on sciatica and piriformis syndrome coming up Saturday, December 17th, @ 10 am EST. Live online.
Everyone who registers will get access to the live workshop and a recording, along with ebooks of the slideshow and exercises, the following day.
