Gentle chiropractic care is ideal for seniors, providing safe, effective relief for aging joints. As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that affect flexibility, balance, and joint health. Many seniors live with arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic back and neck pain that interferes with everyday activities. The good news is, pain and stiffness don’t […]
low back pain
Chiropractic Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Chiropractic treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be an effective, non-invasive treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
“Pain in and around the sacroiliac joint is one of the more common causes of low-back pain. With approximately 80 percent of the population suffering from low-back pain at some point in their lives, the sacroiliac joint dysfunction likely represents about 15-25 percent of those cases.” American Chiropractic Association
What is a sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a broad term used to describe injury to the sacroiliac joint or SI joint. This injury can be very painful but is often not life-threatening. This injury is often very uncomfortable to life since it is difficult to perform everyday tasks. It has been found that conservative treatment is superior in minor cases of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
What causes sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Most patients report spontaneous occurrence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It’s a common injury among golfers. However, there are some things that can lead to damage.
- Trauma
- Pregnancy
- Overuse
- Genetic predisposition
What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
Symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain can range in severity from mild to severe. It is important to remember that pregnant women may experience sacroiliac joint dysfunction due to hormone-induced ligament laxity. The symptoms most often present with sacroiliac joint dysfunction are:
- Dull achy to sharp stabbing pain in the low back, buttocks or back of the leg
- Pain on one or both sides of the buttocks or legs
- Pain along the back where a belt would sit (belt line pain)
- Pain made worse with movement and better with rest
- Tender to the touch in the low back and over the sacroiliac joint
What are the treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
- Gentle chiropractic 1
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
- TENS unit
- At home stretches and exercises
If conservative chiropractic treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction does not produce results, then a referral for injections or NSAIDs is recommended
If you are experiencing sacroiliac joint dysfunction and live in or near Stuart, Florida, please call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Chiropractic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
Chiropractic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome: Regular chiropractic care can provide considerable relief for individuals experiencing piriformis syndrome. By utilizing a mix of spinal and joint adjustments, chiropractic treatment can alleviate tension in tight muscles, restore proper alignment to the body, and ensure the nervous system operates effectively.
What is the piriformis?
To fully appreciate the impact of the piriformis muscle on the body, it’s essential to understand its characteristics and location. The piriformis is a slender, band-like muscle that extends diagonally from the lower spine to the outer hip bone. This powerful, flat, pear-shaped muscle often goes unnoticed because it’s located beneath the gluteal musculature. This positioning allows it to facilitate hip rotation as well as movement in the legs and feet. It plays a crucial role in walking, stabilizing our movements, and maintaining overall balance and control.
The two piriformis muscles sit behind the hip sockets, extending from the upper, outer corner of each femur (thighbone) to the sacrum. A band of fascia, or connective tissue, runs across the sacrum just above the tailbone and connects these two pear-shaped muscles.
The primary function of the piriformis is the external rotation of the hip, which is why swinging a golf club can cause piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle is part of the hip rotator cuff, which are small, deep muscles that rotate the leg outward at the hip.
In essence, it’s a frequently utilized muscle that deserves protection!
However, an important aspect to consider regarding piriformis syndrome is its proximity to the sciatic nerve. This long nerve runs beneath and through the piriformis muscle, extending down along the back of each leg before branching out into the feet—creating a delicate relationship between these two structures. When the piriformis muscle causes compression or contraction on certain areas of the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the buttocks and/or lower back that can radiate down the leg to the foot.
Piriformis syndrome effects women more than men in a ratio of 6:1.
What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome?
The symptoms of piriformis syndrome vary from person to person but can include:
- Chronic pain in the buttocks
- Pain when rising from a seated position
- Pain increased with moving the leg off to the side or moving the leg back and forth
- Inability to sit without pain
- pain, sometimes severe when climbing stairs, walking, running, and golfing
- tingling and numbness,
- pain that can go from the back to the foot,
Piriformis syndrome is pain that may be difficult to pinpoint. Often located in the hip, buttocks and distal part of the leg, it can produce a pain that is very similar to sciatic pain.
In 20% of the population the piriformis splits and the sciatic nerve runs through that split. Those people are much more susceptible to piriformis syndrome due to their unique anatomical structure.
What causes piriformis syndrome?
The cause of piriformis syndrome is varied.
You can develop piriformis syndrome from everyday activities, such as sitting for long periods of time, climbing stairs, walking, or running. You can also develop it after a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a fall.
High-activity level sports such as skiing, tennis or long-distance biking can cause piriformis syndrome.
Chiropractic Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
Gentle chiropractic uses several methods to address piriformis syndrome, which include:
- Spinal adjustments: targeted manipulations aimed at correcting misalignments and alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Soft tissue treatments: techniques like trigger point therapy and massage to relieve tension.
- Stretching and rehabilitation: tailored exercises and stretches designed to ease the piriformis muscle.
- Lifestyle recommendations: advice on maintaining good posture and implementing other beneficial lifestyle changes.
This is a muscle that contributes to many leg and hip movements. When this muscle is aggravated, it doesn’t suffer in silence. Rest is an important part of the treatment process. If you continue performing aggravating activities during treatment, then expect it to take longer to heal.
What are other treatments for piriformis syndrome?
Other treatments for piriformis syndrome include:
- Acupuncture 1
- Medical massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Myofascial release techniques (such as cupping)
- Stretches
- At home exercises
- TENS unit
If you are experiencing pain in your buttocks, pain when rising from a seated position, or any of the other symptoms of piriformis syndrome, you should schedule an appointment with your local chiropractor.
If you live or work in the Stuart, Florida area, contact Advanced Wellness Solutions at 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment today.
