Piriformis Syndrome – Say No To The Pain!
Piriformis Syndrome is a common disorder caused by compression to the sciatic nerve by Piriformis muscle. Manifestations are pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and along the path of the sciatic nerve`s descend.
But what is Piriformis muscle.Piriformis muscle is a flat, pyramidal shaped muscle, located in the pelvis region. It`s function is to rotate the hip, along with several other muscles.
The sciatic nerve passes through piriformis muscle, separating it in two. It is possible that trauma, hemorrhage , or spasm of the piriformis muscle can lead to Piriformis Syndrome.
Piriformis Syndrome Pathophysiology
Piriformis Syndrome can be somewhat elusive condition, so it is often overlooked but can also be overdiagnosed. From my experience, reasons can be inconsistent description in literature or a simple oversight due to the rareness of the condition.
This syndrome can be caused by overuse of the Piriformis muscle or some sort of repetitive trauma. Acute trauma is often associated with Piriformis syndrome, strong blow to the buttocks region can cause hematoma and scarring of the surrounding muscles, affecting sciatic nerve leading to this disorder.
I can add congenital factors to the “causes” list. In certain cases there is an anatomical anomaly in relations of the sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle, that can set this syndrome in motion.
Indications of the already present syndrome are pain, in the buttocks, posterior portion of the upper, and sometimes, lower part of the leg. The pain increases as the person performs physical activity, such as sports, riding bicycle, walking for long periods of time, swimming etc.
There are many other symptoms:
- pain when sitting, standing or lying longer than 20-30 minutes
- pain when standing up
- pain when doing squats
- numbness in foot
- pain during regular bowel movement
List goes on and on, but you get the picture. If you feel pain while doing your usual, daily activity pay a visit to your doctor. It may be nothing, but if you feel something is wrong go with your gut. I`ve seen many people, sick or hurting, that refuse to go to the hospital. And i always tell them the same – Do not take your health for granted! We are fragile, and our bodies need constant care and attention especially when we are dealing with some abnormal processes, preventing our body to function properly.
Treating Piriformis Syndrome
Stretching plays an important role in treating Piriformis syndrome (image to the left taken from- E-algos). If you are not used to stretching, you will quickly change your habits, cause stretching may very well be one of the most important things you will do when dealing with Piriformis. Stretching must be controlled and performed with care, so it would be best that consult your chiropractor, so you can form a proper routine. It is a good idea to include strengthening exercises for piriformis and muscles surrounding it.
Ice and rest can be very helpful in the beginning stages of the disorder. Ice can reduce swell and decrease pain and resting can help muscles natural regeneration process. In addition your chiro can use spinal manipulative therapy, helping correct your spinal joint dysfunction in the pelvis and back, for it is proven that spinal joint dysfunction contributes to piriformis tightness.
Pharmacological treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, substances used for many conditions manifested with lower back pain, including piriformis syndrome.
Related posts: Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms, Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
