Piriformis syndrome is a rare chronic pain disorder. It occurs when the piriformis muscle, which is located near the top of the buttocks, compresses the sciatic nerve, causing it to send pain signals to the brain. Piriformis syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because there are a number of conditions that can cause sciatica-like symptoms. Nevertheless, the physicians at Tulsa Pain Consultants can run diagnostic tests to rule out other diseases to pinpoint the syndrome directly.
Normally, the piriformis muscle rotates the hips and turn the legs. However, in rare cases, the muscle can spasm, typically due to an injury, and compress the sciatic nerve that extends beneath the muscle. Because it is a rare condition and difficult to diagnose, patients may require a thorough physical examination, complete with diagnostic imaging, to see if the muscle is swollen or tightened as a result of the spasms.
Because the muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, patients with piriformis syndrome may experience symptoms similar to sciatica including pain that radiates from the buttocks down the back of the legs, a dull ache in the lower back and buttocks, and limited mobility. Patients may also feel an increase in their pain levels while sitting or walking for long periods of time. For some patients, relief may only be felt while lying down.
Although piriformis syndrome is considered a rare condition, once diagnosed, patients typically have access to a number of treatment options. Tulsa Pain Consultants believes in using a multi-faceted approach to care. We may begin the treatment process by having the patient stretch the muscle. Stretches may include pulling the knee to the chest, crossing the ankles over the knees, hamstring stretches, and more. Our pain management experts may also recommend physical therapy in addition to massage therapy. Patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers to help them perform physical therapy stretches and ensure an improved quality of life. If conservative measures are not enough to relieve symptoms of sciatica, our physicians may recommend steroid injections.
