Piriformis Syndrome
The Piriformus muscle is a tiny muscle running from the base of your spine to the top of the thighbone that is deep inside the buttock and rotates the leg outwards. The sciatic nerve runs very close to this muscle and in some cases may even run through it.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is when the piriformis muscle becomes tight and therefore inadvertently puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. The disorder therefore causes pain and tingling and numbness in the buttocks in the area in which the sciatic nerve exists.
What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome is most commonly caused by other muscles being tight or not working sufficiently and therefore putting more strain on the piriformis.
Muscle imbalances (meaning one muscle being more powerful than the other causing a tug of war effect) pull the hip joints and pelvis out of place and this changes this position alteration often tightens the piriformis muscle which in turn places pressure on the nerve.
What are the Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?
Symptoms include pain in the buttocks that may radiate down the leg.
What Treatment can you have for Piriformis Syndrome ?
Things you can do yourself
- Apply heat
- Stretch out the muscles
- Strengthen the muscles to improve balance
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (always ask advice from a medical professional)
Rehabilitation treatment
- Physical Therapy
- Chiropractors
- Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Sports massage
- Ultrasound
- Cortisone injections