Piriformis Syndrome causes pain or numbness in the butt, hip and/or down the leg. The piriformis muscle is actually pressing on the sciatic nerve providing a similar feeling to chronic sciatica pain, but in most cases Piriformis Syndrome will go away in time.
Learn about the causes, diagnoses and treatment of acute sciatic pain due to piriformis syndrome.
What to Expect with Piriformis Syndrome:
The piriformis muscle is pretty spectacular – It helps with nearly every movement of the body and extends from the lower back to the upper thigh region. It happens to also run up against the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis muscle rubs against the sciatic nerve, good old inflammation pays us a visit. That is when you experience sciatic nerve pain.
Piriformis Syndrome is fairly uncommon – Effecting less than 7% of back pain sufferers – And typically is reversible.
What Does Piriformis Syndrome Feel Like?
Most patients describe it as numbness, tingling or pain within the buttocks, upper leg or hip. Other times the feeling may be described as aching, burning or shooting. It may get worse while sitting for long periods, climbing stairs or walking/running.
What Causes Piriformis Syndrome:
In most cases, piriformis syndrome is acute – Meaning it can be corrected. Generally, it comes from overuse of muscles for running or exercising. It may also occur due to negligence of warming up before exercise and cooling down properly afterward. Other patients suffer from it because of chronic inactivity. For instance, sitting too much or not developing the muscle well enough prior to difficult exercise. In some cases it is a result from an injury.
How Piriformis Syndrome is Treated:
For many patients, rest is the best treatment – Allowing the overused muscles to heal. Physical therapy may be necessary in other situations where muscles need to be stretched and strengthened. Other treatment options include NSAIDs, steroid injections, botox or medicine to relax the muscles.
If you feel like you’ve been suffering from similar symptoms, then don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will help with your pain management.
