What is Piriformis Syndrome and How Can Chiropractic Help?

Sometimes the smallest muscles can cause the biggest pain, like the piriformis muscle. This structure is situated in the buttocks, extending from the pelvis to the top of the hip joint. It’s responsible for rotating the leg outward, meaning you use it when you’re walking, balancing and for almost every motion involving the hips and legs. When this small muscle spasms, it leads to noticeable pain in the glutes and surrounding areas, known as piriformis syndrome.

Unfortunately, after experiencing the condition once, it’s more likely to recur. That’s why consistent chiropractic care in Bend is necessary to keep you comfortable when you have a tight piriformis muscle.

Learn more about the symptoms and causes of piriformis syndrome and how Total Body Chiropractic can offer comprehensive chiropractic treatment below.

Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms

Typically, symptoms of piriformis syndrome include:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness in the gluteal muscles or gluteus maximus

Additionally, the spasms or swelling in the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve, which runs alongside or through the structure. And in this case, piriformis syndrome is a painful condition where that pain can extend down through the legs to the feet.

It is worth noting that most cases of sciatica do not result from piriformis syndrome. 

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

This condition is typically caused by tightness in the piriformis muscle. It can also occur as a result of injury or trauma that causes swelling or inflammation in the muscle, which then irritates the sciatic nerve.

The situations that can irritate the piriformis muscle and trigger this pain include:

• Sitting for prolonged periods of time, as is the case with office workers, long-distance drivers, and even those just having a lazy Sunday
• Walking, running, cycling and rowing
• Climbing stairs

Chiropractic Care in Bend as Piriformis Syndrome Treatment Options

Chiropractic care is a clear choice for piriformis syndrome treatment. This method is an effective treatment that focuses on how other areas, like the feet, legs or pelvis, may be contributing to the problem.

Not only can your chiropractor identify your condition and give you an accurate diagnosis, but they can also treat your symptoms and determine an appropriate treatment plan. While piriformis syndrome can be hard to pinpoint, a combination of your medical history, current symptoms and a physical examination may help you receive a proper diagnosis.

After confirming your condition in the initial evaluation, your chiropractic specialist will provide holistic treatment, including chiropractic adjustments, spinal manipulation, the Graston technique, stretches for the hamstrings and piriformis muscle, and range of motion exercises or physical therapy. Your chiropractor will work to relax the muscles to prevent spasms, reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and allow you to return to everyday activities.

When done regularly, chiropractic may reduce the recurrence and severity of piriformis syndrome to keep you comfortable. You’ll also learn exercises that ease your symptoms when you can’t make it to the office right away. Plus, at Total Body Chiropractic, we provide full-body solutions, which means you’ll experience back, joint, and sciatic pain treatment in Bend in addition to your piriformis syndrome treatment! Book your appointment today.