What is Piriformis Syndrome?
By
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
The quick answer is that Piriformis Syndrome is associated with tightness or a spasm of the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, which compresses the sciatic nerve that lies underneath the muscle causing pain.
Where is the Piriformis Located?
The piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks region attaching specifically to the front of the sacrum and to the greater trochanter located on the femur (thigh bone). This muscle has multiple actions including rotation and abduction, depending on the position of the femur. This muscle is an important stabilizer during walking, running, and maintaining balance during functional movements.
Piriformis Muscle
What is the Sciatic Nerve?
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that begins from the lower back and runs along the leg and further branches out into smaller nerves. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, shooting pain will typically occur with possible numbness/tingling along the back of the thigh and into the foot. Certain movements and activities can increase symptoms such as running, jumping, prolonged sitting, and climbing stairs.
Causes of Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is typically caused by a direct trauma to the specific muscle region and/or repetitive activities including running in an inclined position.
Another factor includes exercising without a proper warm-up/cool down, which will tighten certain muscles including the piriformis muscle causing irritation and pain. Hip muscle imbalances can also contribute to piriformis syndrome due to prolonged static position such as sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Piriformis syndrome is typically diagnosed with a thorough history and physical examination. Palpation to the piriformis muscle that increases symptoms along with limited hip range of motion (ROM) are indicators of a possible pathology relating to piriformis syndrome. There are no definitive tests to accurately and precisely diagnose piriformis syndrome. It is imperative for the medical professional to rule out other similar symptoms including lumbar disc herniation and other lumbar pathologies.
Treatments include rest, modalities including heat/ice initially until an evaluation is performed by a medical professional. A physician is able to prescribe medications to decrease inflammation and possible injections.
A physical therapist will perform soft tissue mobilization techniques to release the tight piriformis muscle and relieve compression of the nerve. Stretches will be provided to specifically improve the muscle’s flexibility that will require diligence to perform daily. Massage therapy is also an option in which deep massage techniques will be used to improve pain.
Piriformis Stretch
Piriformis Seated Stretch
Preventing Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome may be prevented in a few different ways. A proper warm up prior to exercise and activity will help decrease tightness and prevent possible injury.
Proper stretches prior to activity are also recommended to help increase tissue elasticity and blood flow leading to prevention of injury. If pain occurs, stop the activity and contact a medical professional.
Related Articles: Piriformis Syndrome and Healthy Stretches.
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
New to JOI, you can now schedule your follow up appointments and cancel appointments on the JOI Portal.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.