Do you know your piriformis muscle? 

The piriformis is a little-known muscle located deep in the buttock, near the gluteus maximus. Its primary function is to allow for rotation of the hip and turning of leg and foot outward. It is small, but its potential for pain is enormous because of its location, connecting the lower spine and upper femur. Running directly underneath this muscle is the sciatic nerve, a more well known part of the body that is responsible for sciatic nerve pain. In some people, the nerve will even run directly through the muscle. 

The piriformis’s precarious position can cause pain

No one wants a tight piriformis. Piriformis syndrome refers to dysfunction in the piriformis muscle, most commonly due to tightening, swelling or spasm in the muscle that leads pain in the buttocks. A tight piriformis muscle can also impinge on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and numbness down the back of the leg and in the lower extremities. The exact cause for piriformis syndrome is not known, but what is known is that there are steps you can take to manage and prevent it!

Our plan for piriformis pain

At OFW Chiropractic, we take a multi-dimensional approach when it comes to piriformis pain that focuses on stretching to elongate and maintain optimal muscle length. At our office, stretching and targeted exercise combine with chiropractic adjustment and massage therapy to improve range of motion and instigate the body’s natural healing process. If you are interested in using chiropractic to manage your piriformis pain, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.