Aligned Integrated Health
Piriformis Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Deep Buttock Pain That Feels Like Sciatica
Piriformis syndrome is pain caused by the piriformis, a small muscle deep in the buttock, irritating the sciatic nerve that runs beneath or through it. It often causes deep buttock pain that can travel down the back of the leg, which is why it is easily confused with sciatica from the spine. At Aligned Integrated Health, piriformis syndrome treatment is part of our sciatica care in Scottsdale.
This page covers piriformis pain, how piriformis syndrome differs from sciatica that starts in the spine, what aggravates it, and how a chiropractor for piriformis syndrome can help.
- An exam that separates buttock, hip and spine sources of pain
- Massage therapy and gentle adjustments in one clinic
- Stretching and strengthening you can do at home
What Piriformis Pain Feels Like
The piriformis helps rotate the hip and steady the pelvis. When it tightens or spasms, it can press on the sciatic nerve, which causes symptoms that feel like they come from the leg or the spine.
Key Features:
- Deep Buttock Ache: A deep, aching pain in one buttock, often worse when sitting.
- Pain Down the Leg: Pain or tingling down the back of the thigh, usually not past the knee.
- Worse With Sitting: Sitting on hard surfaces, driving, or climbing stairs often flares it.
Piriformis Syndrome Causes and Treatment
Here is what usually drives piriformis syndrome and how we approach it.
Piriformis Syndrome vs Sciatica
Both can cause pain down the back of the leg. Sciatica from the spine usually starts in the low back and is often linked to a herniated disc or narrowing around a nerve root. Piriformis syndrome centers in the buttock and is often tender to pressure there. Because the treatments differ, an exam that checks both the spine and the hip matters.
What Aggravates Piriformis Syndrome?
Long periods of sitting, especially with a wallet in your back pocket, running and stair climbing, sudden increases in activity, and tight or weak hip muscles can all aggravate it. A tilted pelvis or a leg length difference can also overload one side.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Piriformis syndrome treatment usually focuses on easing the muscle, restoring hip and pelvis motion, and changing the activities that keep irritating it. At our clinic, care may include massage therapy for the deep hip muscles, gentle Pro Adjuster adjustments for the pelvis and low back, and chiropractic with rehabilitation for hip strength and stretching. Our page on hip and pelvis pain covers related problems.
When to See a Doctor
See a medical doctor promptly for numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness in the leg that is getting worse, or pain after a significant fall. These are not typical of piriformis syndrome.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help piriformis syndrome?
Often, yes. Chiropractic care, massage and targeted exercise address the hip and pelvis mechanics that commonly drive it.
Is walking good for piriformis syndrome?
Gentle walking is often tolerated well and better than sitting for long periods, but stop if it sharply increases your pain.
What is mistaken for piriformis syndrome?
Sciatica from the spine, SI joint pain and hip joint problems can all feel similar, which is why an exam that checks each one matters.
Do you treat piriformis syndrome in Scottsdale?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (480) 661-1977.
Get Help for Piriformis Pain in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.