Can a Chiropractor Help With Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome can cause pain and discomfort throughout your day, even while sitting or lying down. Some patients experience this condition for years without finding relief. Taking a multi-faceted treatment approach with the help of a licensed chiropractor may be your best option for alleviating pain and addressing the source of your discomfort.

Can a chiropractor help with piriformis syndrome? Discover chiropractic techniques that help patients with this condition experience long-lasting relief.

What Is Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle presses on the sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation or nerve pain. The piriformis muscles run between the lower back and the upper thighs. Patients with this condition often experience pain and numbness in the buttocks.

Many cases of piriformis syndrome go away on their own in a few days or weeks with rest. If you have been experiencing pain for an extended period, seeking chiropractic care may be a necessity.

Distinguishing Between Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica

Piriformis syndrome is relatively uncommon, making up only about 0.3% to 6% of the causes of lower back pain. Sciatica is far more prevalent, but they share several overlapping symptoms, and distinguishing between the two on your own can be challenging.

If you have not sought a professional diagnosis for your back pain, learning about the symptoms of each could help you narrow down your condition.

• Sciatica pain tends to start in the lower back and radiate down the leg, sometimes as far as the foot. It can be aggravated by harsh movements like sneezing or coughing, or you might notice worsened pain from twisting or bending. Physicians diagnose it in part with the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test, which involves lying down and raising the affected leg, looking for signs of pain below the knee.
• Piriformis syndrome often leads to pain deep in the buttocks, which may feel like you are sitting on a golf ball. It can radiate down the thigh but usually does not extend down the knee. Pain may be aggravated by prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, or certain hip movements.

Still, it is best to seek a professional assessment to determine the root of your pain. A chiropractor can perform an evaluation

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome arises when the sciatic nerve is compressed. Chiropractors can use several techniques to alleviate tension on this nerve, improve flexibility and range of motion, restore spinal alignment, and provide pain relief.

Use Chiropractic Adjustments To Alleviate Muscle Tension

Chiropractors use manual adjustments to restore alignment to the spine, which can help relieve pressure and reduce muscle tension. They might use their hands or special tools to realign your body. Their adjustments may be accompanied by a soft “pop,” which often leads to instant relief.

Perform Trigger Point Therapy To Release Knots and Tension

Along with restoring spinal alignment, a chiropractor can use trigger point therapy or myofascial release to target the soft tissue around the piriformis muscle. These techniques, along with others promoted by the International Chiropractors Association, can release knots in the muscle and tissue that may be placing additional strain on the sciatic nerve.

Recommend Lifestyle Changes To Prevent the Issue From Recurring

Piriformis syndrome often results from prolonged sitting or certain postural issues. If you are an athlete, the condition may be due to poor form while running, cycling, or completing similar movements.

A chiropractor can help you understand why this condition occurred and suggest posture corrections, stretching exercises, and lifestyle changes to prevent it from reappearing.

How Chiropractic Care Promotes Long-Term Relief and Healing

Many patients experiencing chronic pain turn to chiropractic care as a non-invasive treatment option that addresses the root of their discomfort, not just the symptoms. Chiropractors help with a wide range of conditions and concerns, from spinal misalignment to sciatic nerve pain, through a multi-faceted approach.

Chiropractic care may include manual adjustments, instrument-guided adjustments, massages, the drop table technique, and a range of other approaches. These professionals create personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s unique condition, symptoms, and overall health. Those who have experienced pain for more than a few weeks might look into finding a chiropractor in Pompano Beach, FL, for long-lasting relief.

Schedule an Appointment With ChiroCare of Florida

Enduring pain from piriformis syndrome can make normal tasks challenging, but a chiropractor can help. Whether you are dealing with restricted spinal mobility or pain when you sit or lie down, a chiropractor can provide targeted treatment.

ChiroCare of Florida treats patients in Pompano Beach, FL. Request an appointment today by calling 754-227-2218.