Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that is caused due to compression or irritation in sciatic nerve by unusual enlargement of piriformis muscle. Piriformis is a flat shaped muscle that is situated in the buttocks and arises from the front portion of the sacrum. This causes pain or numbness to the sacroiliac region of body and pain is felt exceedingly while running and climbing stairs.
Following are some causes and symptoms of Piriformis syndrome:
Causes:Compression in sciatic nerve by overgrowth of bone or herniated disk in spinal cord is the major factor for piriformis pain.
Foot Dysfunction is the most common factor responsible for piriformis syndrome. It is due to improper pronation while running or walking.
Lack of exercise in your daily activity can cause inflexibility to the muscle, joints dysfunction and nerve entrapment. These problems can be responsible for piriformis syndrome.
Subluxation is the partial dislocation of joint or any other part of body organs which can cause nerve pain that finally results in the piriformis syndrome.
Pain in the lower back or buttocks radiating down the legs is the most common symptom found in the patients suffering from piriformis syndrome.
Soreness in the affected area of the muscle.
Pain due to walking, running or after sitting for a long time.
In some of the cases, weakness, acne, or changes in sensation are also found in the patients suffering from Piriformis Syndrome.
Treatments and Therapies:
First of all, try to avoid position or postures causing chronic pain. Consult a specialist doctor or physical therapist who will schedule stretches or exercise according to the need to overcome the pain after completing diagnosis. There are several additional treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs, ice and heat, hamstring stretches and chiropractic care that can be practiced to get rid of piriformis pain. Chiropractic services play a vital role for the treatment of piriformis syndrome as it helps to regain proper functioning of pelvic and spinal joints.
Trigger point therapy, flexibility exercises, massage and stretching techniques to strengthen your muscles are some effective therapies that should be used to get better results for the treatment of piriformis syndrome.
