Piriformis is a muscle in your glutes (buttocks) under which the sciatic nerve passes. In any case, if this muscle is strained, it compresses the nerve underneath causing pain in the hips and leg.
Patients may experience-dull aching pain in the back, buttocks, radiating down the leg-numbness-difficulty in walking, sitting, squating, etc
• Anatomical variations that place the piriformis muscle abnormally close to the sciatic nerve• Muscle swelling caused by overuse or strain• Muscle swelling caused by muscle spasms due to the pinching of the S1 nerve• Trauma such as a fall or the sudden twisting of the hip that injures the piriformis muscle
Piriformis Syndrome is treatable with conservative treatment methods, which involve• Avoiding the position or action that triggers the pain• Hot pads to alleviate pain• Ice compress to help reduce swelling• Pain medication• Exercises: Strengthening the hip extensors, abductors and external rotators• Correction of faulty movement patterns.• Physiotherapy: Ultrasound, soft tissue mobilization, piriformis stretching, hot packs or cold spray• Myofascial release at the paraspinal muscles and McKenzie exercises. • Pain management using frequency specific microcurrent (Cell Repair Technology)
Tips to avoid aggravation of symptoms.• Avoid sitting for a long period; stand and walk every 20 minutes,• Make frequent stops when driving to stand and stretch.• Prevent trauma to the gluteal region and avoid further offending activities.• Daily stretching is recommended to avoid the recurrence of the piriformis syndrome.
Surgery is recommended only in the rarest of cases where the patient is affected by severe disability