Back pain is one of the most common complaints people experience. It can significantly limit daily life and often has multiple causes. Many patients seek help and are diagnosed with "piriformis syndrome." But is this one muscle really always the problem?
Piriformis syndrome: More than just a single muscle
The piriformis muscle runs deep in the buttocks and, if it's tense or irritated, can pinch the sciatic nerve and cause pain down the leg. Many people then focus solely on this one muscle. But from my experience as a chiropractor, I know that the true cause usually lies not only in the piriformis, but in a complex interaction with the surrounding muscles.
Do not neglect the surrounding muscles
Tension or imbalances in deeper and adjacent muscle groups are often partly responsible. Muscles such as the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, or the deep core muscles play a key role. Shortened or weak structures in these areas can lead to the piriformis becoming overloaded and causing problems.
What you can do to relax your muscles
Fortunately, there are some ways to combat tension in this area yourself:
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Fascia training with a roller : A fascia roller or a massage ball can help to loosen stuck structures.
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Stretching exercises : Special stretches for the buttocks, hamstrings and hip flexors can provide relief.
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Strengthening exercises : Strong core and gluteal muscles support healthy posture and relieve pressure on the piriformis.
Conclusion
Piriformis syndrome is often treated in isolation, but it is rarely the sole cause of pain. Those seeking long-term relief should consider the entire muscular system. As a chiropractor, I work holistically and recommend considering the entire body, not just a single muscle. Often, back pain is not caused by a single muscle, but rather by a combination of many factors.