Piriformis Syndrome

How to Get Relief From Your Piriformis Syndrome
Treatments For Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle presses on the sciatic nerve causing numbness, tingling and pain in the buttocks that runs down the thigh and into the leg where the sciatic nerve is located. Treatment is aimed at reducing the pressure off the sciatic nerve, which reduces symptoms and helps in the healing process.Most cases of this syndrome can be treated with noninvasive treatments such as piriformis stretch exercises and physical therapy. Surgery is usually the last choice after all other treatments have been exhausted.

To relief the pain and muscle spasms associated with this disorder non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as well as muscle relaxants may be prescribed. Using ice and heat often helps when the pain first begins or when an activity has caused the pain to occur. Alternating both ice and heat can be helpful. Refraining from doing such activities such as running and biking can also provide relief of piriformis pain. Some physicians will use injections of corticosteroids at trigger points in the buttocks, as these spots are often the most painful areas. Corticosteroids relief pain and muscle spasms and can be effective for months although due to the deepness of the piriformis muscle, a radiologist may have to provide this treatment.

Deep-tissue massage can also be effective in relieving the symptoms associated with this syndrome. This type of massage therapy can relax the muscle and reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. The use of a custom foot brace can also help prevent more strain on the muscle and help with treatment. If the gait is incorrect, this can also cause increased symptoms. Gait correction can lessen the pressure on the piriformis to allow the muscle to be relaxed and heal faster. Acupuncture treatments help to relax this muscle and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Some acupuncturists use electrical stimulation with the needles that provide a deeper relaxation of the muscle for better pain relief.

Physical therapy that includes piriformis stretch exercises that stretch the lower back muscles and the hamstrings can also relieve tension and pain in the buttocks. These exercises should be done with a professional therapist to ensure that overstretching does not occur, which can irritate the sciatic nerve more. Strengthening of the abs and back muscles can also reduce the strain on the this muscle. Surgery is usually only performed if all other treatments fail to provide relief of piriformis pain and other symptoms. The surgical procedure involves either loosening the piriformis tendon or releasing it completely. There are always risks with surgery and sometimes this procedure does not relieve the pain, therefore considering this option should be only done after consistent treatments do not provide improvement.