What is Piriformis Syndrome?
What is Piriformis Syndrome?Piriformis syndrome is a condition that occurs when a person’s piriformis muscle presses on the nerve underneath it, called the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the lower back down into the foot.
When the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, it can swell, leading to pain or numbness in the butt, hip, and upper leg area. Piriformis syndrome is not very common, causing only about 0.3 to 6 percent of lower back pain in patients.
Piriformis Syndrome vs. Sciatica
Piriformis syndrome often leads to sciatica but can cause other symptoms, such as numbness and muscle twitching. Piriformis syndrome typically only involves buttock, upper leg, and hip pain.
Sciatica occurs when one of the roots of the sciatic nerve is compressed and exits the spinal cord. Sciatica pain is more commonly experienced in the lower half of the body, such as the lower back, legs, feet, and toes.
Signs & Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
SymptomsPiriformis syndrome symptoms are most often felt in the butt, hip, and upper legs.
Sciatica is the main symptom of piriformis syndrome, but other symptoms may include:
- Numbness
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Difficulty sitting
- Aching
- Lower body pain
- Burning
- Tingling
- Shooting pain
- Pain that worsens during activity
- Pain that worsens while sitting for long periods
The spine experts at NewYork-Presbyterian understand how painful piriformis symptoms can be — and what can be done to relieve that discomfort. When you come to us for care, we’ll assess your symptoms, determine their cause, and put together a plan of care to help you feel better.
What Causes Myelopathy?
CausesThe piriformis muscle is used every time you move your lower body. It is used when you are walking or running, but also during small movements like shifting weight from one foot to another. Overuse of this muscle can cause swelling or injury, leading to muscle spasms and inflammation.
The most common causes of piriformis syndrome are:
- Muscle inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Scarring in the piriformis muscle
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Over-exercising
- Bad falls
- Penetrating wounds
- Trauma (such as a car accident)
- Playing sports
- Repetitive activities involving the lower body
- Lifting heavy objects
- Abnormal anatomy (being born with a sciatic nerve that doesn’t take a normal path in their body or being born with an unusual piriformis muscle or sciatic nerve)
Risk Factors
Risk FactorsWhile trauma, such as being in a car accident, can play a role in developing piriformis syndrome, a few activities and lifestyle choices can also lead to injury of the piriformis muscle.
Risk factors of piriformis syndrome include:
- Not stretching before and after physical activity
- Having tight muscles (from lack of physical activity)
- Lifting heavy objects improperly
- Long distance running
- Weightlifting
- Bad posture
- Running on uneven ground
- Sudden increases in physical exertion (not gradually increasing your stamina or endurance level)
- Desk jobs (where you’re sitting for extended periods of time)
- Playing sports regularly or being on a sports team
Prevention
PreventionYou can make some lifestyle changes to avoid injury to your piriformis muscle and the development of piriformis syndrome, including:
- Exercising regularly
- Having good posture
- Properly lifting objects
- Warming up before exercise
- Stretching before and after physical activity
- Standing up during long periods of prolonged sitting
- Avoiding running or exercising on uneven surfaces
- Gradually increasing the intensity of exercises
- Avoiding sitting or lying down in positions that put extra pressure on your hips for long periods
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Piriformis Syndrome Care
If piriformis syndrome is causing you pain, impairing your movement, and keeping you from participating in your usual activities, it may be time to see a physician for relief.
Every doctor at our Och Spine Center has experience with various back and neck conditions and injuries, and we’ll work with you to identify the best treatment plan for your specific symptoms. Contact us today to make an appointment.