Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome is a pain condition similar to sciatica, except caused by a completely different source. In this condition, the sciatic nerve is compressed by the piriformis muscle. This muscle is deep inside the body, under the gluteals. The sciatic nerve passes directly under the piriformis muscle. This is a very controversial condition which has been the topic of many medical debates among back pain specialists.

Piriformis Syndrome

* Piriformis Pain

* Piriformis Muscle Information

* Piriformis Treatment

* Piriformis Therapy

* Piriformis Exercises

Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms

This condition feels a lot like sciatica. Pain in the buttocks and radiating down the legs is the most common complaint. In addition to pain, the patient might experience tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness in the legs and buttocks. Symptoms are often worsened by long periods of sitting, due to direct pressure exerted on the piriformis muscle.

Piriformis Diagnosis

This pain syndrome is diagnosed most often by exclusion. If the patient has sciatic pain, but shows no spinal reason for a cause, piriformis pain syndrome is often indicated. A physical exam might create pain through motion of the hip, but this is common in many back pain conditions. Imaging on x-ray or even MRI will not show nerve compression, so the diagnosis is never 100%.

Piriformis Syndrome Treatment

Treatments for this condition are identical to conservative care for sciatica. Exercise, stretching, ice and or heat are often employed. As always, these remedies do more to increase the circulation of blood to the area, than to treat the actual condition. If relief comes from these treatments, there is a good chance that the pain is due to oxygen deprivation rather than piriformis muscle problems.

For more detailed advice on pain relief, go to my TREATMENT page.

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Piriformis Syndrome to Back Pain Home page 6/18/06 Revised 3/24/08