Piriformis Syndrome - Sciatica


People with swaybacks are at higher risk for developing Sciatica.  This observation is based on my research which links the position of the sacrum to the position of the sphenoid bone in the cranium.

This research was part of a series of discoveries that ultimately led to a therapy that, in many cases, permanently eliminates chronic musculoskeletal pain without the use of drugs or surgery.  This therapy is called Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy, in which I use a series of tests, proprietary computer analyses, custom designed Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles and ongoing monitoring to address all of the changes in the patients condition and necessary changes in prescriptions, until the chronic muscle and/or joint pain is eliminated.

Below is an animated model demonstrating this theoretical coupling motion between the sphenoid bone and the sacrum:  sphenoid extension is linked to sacral nutation (swayback).


Sacral nutation (swayback) stretches the Piriformis muscle.  If this stretch is constant and severe enough, it will mechanically compress the sciatic nerve (e.g., between the greater sciatic notch and the belly of the Piriformis muscle).  Sciatic nerve compression is prodromal to (precedes) the development of Sciatica and if left untreated, can lead to Wallerian degeneration (nerve death).

A case history of Sciatica secondary to a swayback (sacral nutation) is presented on my research website: Piriformis Sydrome. A Case History.



Professor/Dr. Brian A. Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot and PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain

Sign Up Now to get a free chapter from my book, Forever Free From Chronic Pain

Posted by rothbart at 5/11/2009 3:02 PM
Categories: Symptoms
Tags: Swayback Piriformis Syndrome Wallerian degeneration Sciatica sphenoid bone
 

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  • 6/7/2011 9:51 PM Hans Johansson wrote:
    Dear Brian

    I have piriformis? pain butt, tilted pelvic, overpronation, crocked spine,
    misaligned shoulders, after one and a half years search I came to the conclusion I needed inlays, have been to seven doctors two physiotherapists they didn't find anything wrong with me when I explained the pain.However the last three days I think I started in the wrong way of looking at my problem, now I think it is misalignment of the Atlas Bone that is causing it.
    Reply to this
    1. 6/8/2011 10:05 AM rothbart wrote:
      Dear Hans,

      Piriformis syndrome commonly is a result of a torsional misalignment (usually a forward rotation) of the sacrum.  If severe enough, this forward rotation of the sacrum can push the Piriformis muscle into the sciatic nerve, entrapping the sciatic nerve against the greater sciatic notch, resulting in sciatica.

      This forward rotation of the sacrum can be caused by either an ascending postural distortional pattern (coming from the feet), or, what may be in your case, a descending postural distortional pattern coming from your occlusion (bite) or upper spine (torsional misalignment of the atlas).

      However, you may also have a mixed pattern; that is, both an ascending and descending postural distortional pattern.  If that is the case, you must first eliminate the ascending component before treating the descending component (much like an engineer will repair the foundation before repairing the leaking roof of a building).

      If you are to be treated for the ascending component (coming from your feet), insoles will not be effective until the abnormal foot structure is identified.  There are many different types of insoles.  Specific insoles are used to treat specific foot structures.  Using the wrong type of insole, or the wrong prescription, will result in a disappointing outcome.

      Due to the apparent complexity of your problem, I suggest you set up an Initial Phone Consultation with me.  You may do so, by going to my Schedule a Consultation page (http://rothbartsite.com/Contact_Prof_Dr_Rothbart.html)

      with regards,
      Professor Rothbart

      Reply to this
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