If you're experiencing pain that shoots down the back of your leg—or a deep, nagging ache in your hip—you might assume it's sciatica. But there’s a lesser-known condition that often mimics it: piriformis syndrome.
At Sioux Center Chiropractic, we help patients from Sioux Center, Sioux County, and throughout Northwest Iowa find real relief from leg pain by correctly identifying the cause—and treating it at the source.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. It usually starts in the low back and sends pain, numbness, or tingling down the buttock and into the leg—sometimes all the way to the foot.
Common causes of sciatica:
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Herniated or bulging discs
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Spinal degeneration or arthritis
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Nerve root compression (radiculopathy)
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Poor posture or lifting mechanics
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock that helps stabilize and rotate the hip. In some people, the sciatic nerve runs directly underneath—or even through—the piriformis muscle. When the muscle tightens or spasms, it can compress the nerve and cause sciatica-like symptoms.
Symptoms often include:
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Pain in the buttock that may radiate down the leg
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Worse pain with sitting, squatting, or climbing stairs
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Tenderness directly over the glute muscles
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No low back pain (a key differentiator from true sciatica)
Why It Matters to Know the Difference
Although sciatica and piriformis syndrome feel similar, they need different treatment approaches. That’s why a proper diagnosis is critical.
At Sioux Center Chiropractic, we perform a thorough movement and orthopedic exam to determine the true source of your pain—so we can build the right plan to fix it.
Searching for Physical Therapy for Sciatica or Piriformis Pain?
Many people search for physical therapy for sciatica, but find that stretching alone doesn’t solve the problem. Others are prescribed rest, pain meds, or injections—but still struggle with recurring symptoms.
That’s where we come in.
Our care blends chiropractic adjustments, muscle work, laser therapy, shockwave, and corrective rehab to address both the symptoms and the root cause—without drugs or downtime.
How We Treat Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome at Sioux Center Chiropractic
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
We restore healthy joint motion to the lumbar spine, sacrum, pelvis, and hips to relieve nerve pressure, improve biomechanics, and reduce pain.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight glutes, piriformis, and surrounding hip muscles are often involved. We use myofascial release, instrument-assisted techniques, and cupping to release these restrictions.
3. Class IV Laser Therapy
Our high-powered laser reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and accelerates healing in irritated nerves or inflamed tissues.
4. Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Cases
Radial or focused shockwave therapy helps break up scar tissue and stimulate healing in chronic cases—especially when traditional rest or therapy hasn’t helped.
5. DNS-Based Rehab & Movement Training
We teach you how to move better—addressing core weakness, hip instability, and improper lifting or walking patterns that may be fueling the issue.
When to Seek Help
If your pain has lasted more than a few days, is getting worse, or is interfering with your daily life—it’s time to get evaluated.
We’ve helped patients from Sioux Center, Orange City, Rock Valley, Hull, and across Northwest Iowa find relief from leg pain through personalized, hands-on care.
Call us at 712-722-0788 or book online here
Let’s figure out what’s really causing your leg pain—and fix it naturally.
