Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatica nerve. It is a painful condition that can cause numbness in your buttocks and further down to the back of your leg. A patient with piriformis syndrome may typically complain of sciatica, which is sharp, radiating pain from the lower back or buttock down to the thigh and calf. Symptoms may resemble other conditions, but a thorough evaluation can help determine the condition. If the patient has difficulty sitting or putting weight on the buttock on one side, muscle spasms, pain in the piriformis muscle, and sciatica type of pain can help determine the condition. Our care team can help patients find relief.

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

The piriformis muscle is essential in lower body movement, enabling us to walk, shift body weight on one side, and maintain balance. It is like a band muscle in the buttocks near the top of the hip joint. The piriformis muscle spasm compresses the sciatica nerve that runs alongside the muscle and can cause piriformis syndrome. Other reasons can be

• Trauma or injury
• Prolonged sitting, especially with a thick wallet in the pocket
• Prior hip surgery
• Vigorously exercise routine
• Sometimes, anatomic abnormalities may also lead to it.

Any of the above problems, or a combination, may affect the muscle, cause buttock pain, and affect the sciatica nerve.

How is Piriformis Syndrome Diagnosed?

It may be challenging to evaluate the exact cause, and it often involves striking out various other reasons. It comprises a thorough evaluation of medical history, family history, signs, or symptoms. Then, based on the assessment, the patient is physically examined and undergoes diagnostic tests. There is no specific test to diagnose piriformis syndrome; however, certain tests, like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and electromyography (EMG), can help appropriately diagnose the condition.

Learn more about our pain management methods and how we can help your case. So, schedule an appointment with Advanced Pain Consultants, PA at (919) 800-0850 today.