Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome is another name for sciatica. The piriformis is a small muscle that is located in the lower back. The sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the human body, passes below the piriformis muscle. The Piriformis syndrome refers to a  neuromuscular condition wherein the piriformis muscle applies pressure on or strangles the sciatic nerve. Here is the complete lowdown on the piriformis syndrome:

Symptoms

When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it causes pain.  The pain starts as a tingling or numbness in the buttocks and then the sensation carries on along with the nerve right down to the leg. The pain increases if the patient sits for a long periods or climbs up the stairs or runs, cycles, rows, walks or jogs.

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Causes

Though it is not clear what exactly causes the syndrome, here are a few usual suspects:
1. Inactive gluteal muscles can help develop the condition.
2. Rowers and cyclists sit for long periods and work their legs out strenuously. This could be a cause.
3. Runners, cyclists and athletes who engage in forward-moving exercises can develop this condition if they do not strengthen their buttock area or neglect lateral stretching.
4. Injuries resulting from falling may cause this condition.
5. Stiffness of the sacroiliac joint, which is located in the pelvis, can result in changes in gait and that can lead to piriformis syndrome.
6. Overpronation (When the heel bone angles inward and the arch collapses) of the foot can also make the body overuse the piriformis and go on to cause the syndrome.

Diagnosis

When sciatica occurs without spinal causes being responsible, then the cause may be ithe result of piriformis syndrome. So, the condition is diagnosed by the elimination of any spinal problems like compression or irritation of the spinal nerve roots. The patient has to undergo a physical examination in which attempts are made to stretch the piriformis. A CT, MRI or ultrasound scan can also help in excluding other causes of pain. Magnetic Resonance Neurography can detect piriformis syndrome, but some insurance companies do not consider it as medically necessary. Often a natural treatment such as “Treat Sciatica Now” will cure the condition and certainly represents a good low cost option. You can check this product out on the link below.

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Treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs can be combined with muscle relaxants to relieve the pain. Commonly the treatment will include appropriate and recommended stretching exercises and  massage treatment. Doctors often recommend strengthening of core muscles like abdominals, back, etc to help alleviate the condition. The patient must stop his running, cycling, rowing or other such activities until the doctor gives him the green light. An ice pack or heated pad can relieve pain as well. Ice must be applied at the onset of pain. Alternating an ice pack or massage with heat treatment is considered beneficial. Custom foot orthotics also helps and so does gait correction. If these treatments don’t work, then local anesthetics, botox, or steroid-containing anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Surgery is rarely recommended.

Conclusion

Once patients recover from piriformis syndrome, they can go back to their routine. In some cases, the exercise routine is altered. Many research institutes like the NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) are researching some more into the condition.