Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatic Nerve Pain

Have you ever had tenderness in your buttocks from sitting for a lengthy period of time on a firm surface or possibly on your wallet? Have you ever had lower back pain that radiates into your glute and continues down the back of your leg? Did the pain feel dull, achy, or electrifying? Did you experience a feeling of numbness? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you may have piriformis syndrome and sciatic nerve pain. Continue to read the information below to learn about this syndrome.

What is the piriformis muscle?

● The piriformis muscle is located deep inside the pelvis.
● It attaches to the front surface of the S2-S4 sacral vertebrae, the sacroiliac joint, and gluteal surface of the ilium.
● It extends over the sciatic nerve and attaches itself to the greater trochanter of the femur.
● The piriformis muscle is responsible for helping the hips rotate and turning the leg and foot outward.

Cause of piriformis syndrome and sciatic nerve pain

● When trauma to the glute or lower back occurs, the piriformis muscle will become inflamed. The inflammation triggers muscle spasms that send referred pain to the sacroiliac joints, and it compresses the sciatic nerve which causes pain to radiate down the back of the leg.
o Patients who have had a total hip replacement or lower back surgery tend to experience piriformis syndrome and sciatic nerve pain.

Symptoms

● Numbness and tingling sensations travel down the back of the leg.

Treatment

● When patients complain of chronic buttock and sciatic nerve pain, physical therapy will provide the necessary treatment to help stretch the piriformis and other lower back muscles that cause constant pain.
● NSAIDs are recommended for inflammation.
● Muscle relaxants are helpful in reducing spams.