Piriformis syndrome is an uncomfortable condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle ends up compressing your sciatic nerve, which can lead to a whole host of symptoms. And although the condition isn’t all that common, it does tend to get worse without targeted treatment. Oftentimes symptoms can be controlled and alleviated with early intervention, so don’t wait to treat the condition. Below, we take a closer look at what causes piriformis syndrome to develop and how a spine specialist can help you treat the issue.
Causes And Symptoms Of Piriformis Syndrome
Your piriformis is a flat and narrow muscle that runs from your lower spine through your butt and to the top of your thighs. Your sciatic nerve typically runs underneath the piriformis as it travels from your spinal cord and down your lower body to your feet. Because it passes underneath the piriformis, if the muscle is irritated, inflamed or otherwise damaged, it can compress the nerve and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Injury to the piriformis that leads to scarring or muscle spasms can also cause problems for the nearby sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome can also develop as a result of some of the physical actions we take. For example, tight muscles from lack of physical activity or muscle overuse from repetitive strain can all cause the piriformis to irritate the sciatic nerve, as can an issue like poor posture. Sometimes you can even be predisposed to the condition as a result of the specific path your sciatica nerve takes on its journey from your spinal cord to your foot.
Symptoms of piriformis syndrome tend to develop in the lower back, butt, hip and upper leg and oftentimes include:
- Localized pain
- Shooting pain
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Burning sensation
Symptoms tend to get worse after extended periods of inactivity or prolonged physical activity, or from actions like climbing stairs or running.
Diagnosing And Treating Piriformis Syndrome
If you’re dealing with any of the above symptoms or activity is causing discomfort in your hips and buttocks region, head to your primary care provider’s office or connect with a spine specialist like Dr. Jackman. He’ll begin by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and having you perform a few different movements to see how the area responds to different actions. Oftentimes this is enough to get a good idea that your sciatic nerve is being impacted near or at the piriformis muscle, but your provider may opt to confirm their suspicions or rule out other potential causes of discomfort with the help of imaging tests like an MRI, CT scan or ultrasound.
Treatment will be unique to the individual based on the specialist’s understanding of what’s causing the problems with the piriformis muscle. For some individuals, they may find relief with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, posture corrections and losing a little weight to take pressure off the piriformis muscle. For others, exercise, physical therapy and muscle relaxers could help to strengthen the area and calm an inflammatory response. Surgery is typically not considered, but if other conservative methods fail, your specialist may recommend a corticosteroid or botox injection. Any injection will be paired with other active techniques like muscle strengthening or physical therapy to drive home the pain relief benefits provided by the injection.
For more information on how piriformis syndrome can be diagnosed and treated, or to talk to a spine specialist about a different back issue you’re dealing with, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
