Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock that helps rotate the hip. When it becomes tight or spasms, it can compress the sciatic nerve, which runs directly beneath or through it in many people, producing pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the buttock down the back of the leg. Piriformis syndrome is often mistaken for a disc-related sciatica, but it originates in the muscle rather than the spine.
How We Treat Piriformis Syndrome at Club West Chiropractic
Our chiropractors start with a thorough exam to distinguish piriformis syndrome from other causes of sciatic-type pain, since the treatment approach differs. Chiropractic adjustments are used to correct any pelvic or lumbar misalignment contributing to the muscle tightness and nerve irritation.
Because piriformis syndrome is fundamentally a soft-tissue problem, we build a treatment plan around it, combining acupuncture and massage therapy to release the tight piriformis muscle and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, along with a targeted therapeutic exercise program to stretch and strengthen the hip rotators and prevent the muscle from tightening back up.
If pain in your buttock or down your leg isn’t improving, schedule an appointment to get it properly diagnosed.
