What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is a condition that develops due to the impingement of the sciatic nerve and occurs due to over straining of the nerve.
Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms
- There is dull chronic pain
- Tingling, numbness in the thighs and butt
- Gradually, the symptoms spread to the lower back, and calves.
- Lifting, running and exertion aggravate
- Cannot sit for longer hours.
Piriformis Syndrome Causes
- Excessive stress and strain on the sciatic nerve is the basic cause.
- Trauma, injury or stress to the piriformis muscles, which in turn exert pressure
- Inactivation of butt muscles is also considered a cause.
- Individuals who participate in sports activities are prone to develop the syndrome.
- A combination of strong adductor muscles and weak abductor muscles is another important cause.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment and Stretches
- Once the diagnosis is made, the doctor asks the person to take maximum rest and stop all movements / activities that increase the stress on the piriformis muscles.
- Alternate hot and cold applications are known to afford quick relief.
- The physician may prescribe certain drugs to alleviate the pain
- Physiotherapy is greatly recommended
- Corticosteroid injections may be given in some case.
- Massage is another potent therapy option to ease pain. Using warm sesame seed oil / clove oil added to any base / carrier oil acts beneficially on the muscles to ease the strain and discomfort.
Also see Landau-Kleffner Syndrome