Small Muscle Causes BIG Pain: Relieve Piriformis Syndrome

There is a small muscle deep in the buttocks, known, as the, piriformis muscle.  This small muscle performs an essential function of rotating the leg outwards. Piriformis Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the muscle becomes tight and intrudes on the sciatic nerve. This causes pain, tenderness and sometimes numbness in the buttocks, which can also radiate down the leg and into the calf.

Potential causes for piriformis syndrome are sitting for prolonged periods, which can tighten the muscle and an injury to the buttocks. This can come from a fall, accident, or sports injury. Trauma causes the small muscle to swell and irritate the sciatic nerve.

Muscle spasms can also cause piriformis syndrome, however, the cause of the spasms is still unknown.

Once an individual has piriformis syndrome, the condition can comeback periodically.

Piriformis Syndrome Small Muscle Treatment

Treatment options frequently used:

Medication

Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxers frequently serve to reduce the pain from piriformis syndrome. A doctor may also inject medicine directly into the piriformis muscle to improve the condition.

Heat

A common way to relax tight muscles is to apply heat. Piriformis syndrome sufferers may find relief from painful symptoms by periodically applying heat directly to the tender area.

Heat therapy can relieve tightness of the muscle and promote healing of the area. Avoid treating the muscle with heat if the muscle may be torn.

Exercise

A proper exercise schedule will loosen the muscle and alleviate the symptoms. A chiropractor can prescribe the correct exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscle.

Manual Therapy

Combined with other treatments or on their own. Massage is used for piriformis syndrome. This helps increase blood flow to the area. The massage therapist can manipulate the area to relieve tightness.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors view the entire body. They may treat other parts of the body, such as a foot or leg, in order to improve the condition of the piriformis muscle. They may also utilize pelvic and spinal adjustments, along with joint manipulation to stretch and loosen up the muscle.

It’s vital to take precautions to avoid re-aggravating the muscle. Proper stretching before exercise, periodic breaks when sitting. Spinal and pelvic maintenance will increase an individual’s chances of living pain free.

If you have any question about chiropractic care for piriformis syndrome symptoms, or other health conditions, contact us today!