What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome is an uncommon, rare neuromuscular condition caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. The sciatic nerve is a thick and long nerve that passes below or through the piriformis muscle and goes down the back of the leg and finally ends in the feet in the form of smaller nerves.
Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis Syndrome is characterized by pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks. The pain may also extend down along the nerve and involve the leg as well (extraspinal sciatica).
Pain is usually exaggerated by activities that exert pressure over the piriformis muscle such as sitting for long hours, running, or climbing stairs.
Diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome
The diagnosis of piriformis syndrome involves a combination of physical examination employing different movements of the hip and the leg which may trigger characteristic pain in the buttock and leg. Imaging studies such as MRI may be useful in ruling out other causes of sciatic nerve compression such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or arthritis of the spine.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Initially, a conservative approach is used for the management of piriformis syndrome. This approach includes:
- Lifestyle changes to avoid activities that trigger pain
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Laser Therapy
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Functional Training
In patients with severe pain a combination of chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, acupuncture and rehab exercises will be prescribed. In some cases, Dr. Dillan will use acupuncture combined with electrotherapy for greater relief. This helps reduce muscle tightness. In patients not responding to the conservative approach, surgery may be considered, but we haven’t needed to go that route with any of our patients up to this point! This involves the surgical release of the piriformis muscle and the decompression of the sciatic nerve.
Get the relief you’ve been searching for with Dr. Dillan today! Call us at (972) 357-1009
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