Piriformis syndrome is a nerve compression condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms in your lower body, typically affecting your hips, upper legs, and buttocks. The symptoms are similar to sciatica, as piriformis syndrome similarly involves pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Are you at risk for piriformis syndrome, or have you been diagnosed with this condition? Dr. Andrew Fox, Dr. Ryan Mattie, and the team of pain management experts at Total Spine Institute of Sherman Oaks and Calabasas, California, are here to help you understand more about piriformis syndrome and how to relieve your symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
Your piriformis muscle has a narrow, flat shape. This muscle extends from your lower spine through your buttocks to your upper thighs on both sides of your body. And your piriformis muscle typically sits positioned over your sciatic nerve.
The sciatic nerve starts at your spinal cord and runs down both sides of your body, through your buttocks, and down the backs of your legs. Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve typically results in sensations of pain, numbness, or tingling.
If you have piriformis syndrome, swelling, muscle spasms, or scar tissue on your piriformis muscle causes it to press on your sciatic nerve. This condition causes uncomfortable symptoms of butt, hip, or upper leg pain or numbness. You might experience symptoms on one side of your body only or on both sides.
Why might you develop this condition? Sometimes, piriformis syndrome happens after an injury, like a bad fall or a car accident. Maybe you exercised too vigorously, without warming up, when your piriformis muscle wasn’t in good enough shape. Or, maybe you lifted something heavy with the wrong form and injured this part of your body.
Other inflammatory issues in your body could also cause swelling in your piriformis muscle. You’re more likely to develop these issues if you sit for long periods of time. Conversely, repetitive stress can also contribute.
This condition isn’t terribly common, but low back pain affects many adults in the United States. Sciatica, another condition affecting the sciatic nerve, is more prevalent. For piriformis syndrome to develop, you must have problems with one specific muscle pressing on one specific sciatic nerve area.
Typically, piriformis syndrome responds well to treatment. Most flare-ups are dealt with after just a few days or weeks. Once you understand the cause of your symptoms, it’s a lot easier to effectively address them and the underlying condition causing your pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.
Your provider at Total Spine Institute recommends starting with the most conservative treatment options that are likely to work for you. You may just need some rest or some stretches to help relieve pressure around your sciatic nerve.
For pain management, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective. We can also prescribe medications to relax your muscles. Pain injections with corticosteroids or therapeutic Botox® may also help.
Few patients with piriformis syndrome end up needing surgery. However, you should know that this condition tends to recur. That’s why you should get flare-ups seen by a professional and follow advice for treatment and prevention.
For support with piriformis syndrome or undiagnosed hip, leg, or buttock pain, contact the team at Total Spine Institute today. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online, or call now to book.
