Sciatic Pain: Piriformis Syndrome or Your Low Back?
Is it a pain in your back or your butt?
Back pain is no joke
If you're experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness that runs from your lower back down through your leg, possibly all the way to your foot, you might be dealing with sciatica. But what's causing it? Is it coming from your lower back, or is it actually a case of piriformis syndrome?
At Michigan Massage and Wellness in Troy, MI, we help you get clear on the real source of your pain so you can get lasting relief through targeted massage, soft tissue techniques and movement therapy.
At Michigan Massage and Wellness in Troy, MI, we help you get clear on the real source of your pain so you can get lasting relief through targeted massage, soft tissue techniques and movement therapy.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest and largest nerve in your body. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the lower back, hip, or buttocks
- Tingling or numbness down the outer leg
- Discomfort or weakness in the foot or calf
Two Common Causes of Sciatica
1. Piriformis Syndrome
Your piriformis muscle, a small muscle deep in the buttock, lies very close to the sciatic nerve. In some people, the nerve even passes through the muscle itself. When the piriformis becomes tight or inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain and irritation—often felt in the glute and down the leg and sometimes it might knock you off of your feet and you have to crawl on your hands and knees to your bed one night after brushing your teeth….ask me how I know.
2. Lumbar Spine Issues The sciatic nerve originates in the lower spine. Spinal conditions such as:
Your piriformis muscle, a small muscle deep in the buttock, lies very close to the sciatic nerve. In some people, the nerve even passes through the muscle itself. When the piriformis becomes tight or inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain and irritation—often felt in the glute and down the leg and sometimes it might knock you off of your feet and you have to crawl on your hands and knees to your bed one night after brushing your teeth….ask me how I know.
2. Lumbar Spine Issues The sciatic nerve originates in the lower spine. Spinal conditions such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc disease
Why Identifying the Cause Matters
Both piriformis syndrome and lumbar spine issues can cause sciatic symptoms, but they may require different treatment approaches.
That's why at Michigan Massage and Wellness, we prioritize understanding where your symptoms are really coming from. You may not need imaging right away as many cases respond well to non-invasive treatments like:
That's why at Michigan Massage and Wellness, we prioritize understanding where your symptoms are really coming from. You may not need imaging right away as many cases respond well to non-invasive treatments like:
- Massage therapy to release tight glute and low back muscles
- Lokte Method for fascial release and nerve decompression
- MPS Therapy to treat acupuncture and trigger points
- Hot or cold therapy, stretching, and movement correction
- Fascial Stretching to help mobilize and stretch overworked muscles and joints
Know What to Look For
Here are a few clues to help you and your provider differentiate between piriformis syndrome and spinal sciatica:
- If the pain is primarily in your glute and worsens after sitting, the piriformis may be to blame.
- If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness below the knee, or difficulty bending forward, the issue may stem from your spine.
Get Expert Sciatica Relief in Troy, MI
You don’t have to suffer with nagging hip and leg pain. At Michigan Massage and Wellness we specialize in helping clients across Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, and surrounding Metro Detroit areas find relief from sciatica, piriformis syndrome and low back pain naturally. Book your session today.
