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Och Spine Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Piriformis Syndrome

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How Is Piriformis Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosing piriformis syndrome involves ruling out other causes and conditions. Your doctor will start with an exam, during which you’ll go through a range of movements to see if and where they cause pain.

After asking you about your symptoms, medical history, and habits, your healthcare provider may order further tests, including:

  • CT scans. These scans use a series of X-rays and a computer to produce a 3D image of your soft tissue and bones.
  • MRI. This uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images and rule out other causes of sciatic nerve compression, such as a herniated disc.
  • Ultrasound. This noninvasive imaging test shows the inside of your body using high-intensity sound waves.
  • EMG. EMG uses very small needles to measure your muscle’s response and electrical activity after you attempt to contract or use a muscle.

How Is Piriformis Syndrome Treated?

Sometimes, you may not need medical treatment for your piriformis syndrome symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following:

Therapies

  • A few days of rest
  • Home exercises to stretch or strengthen the piriformis
  • Osteopathic manipulative treatment
  • Avoiding positions that trigger pain
  • Massage
  • Using ice packs and heating pads
  • Electrotherapy such as TENS

Medication

  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Medications that relax the muscles
  • Steroid injections.
  • Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®)

Surgical options

Surgery is not often recommended as piriformis syndrome treatment, but in severe cases, your doctor may recommend it to release the muscle and relieve pressure on the nerve.

FAQs

With severe injuries, piriformis syndrome can be a chronic, long-lasting injury, but most episodes go away on their own in a few days or weeks.

With severe injuries, piriformis syndrome can be a chronic, long-lasting injury, but most episodes go away on their own in a few days or weeks.

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Piriformis Syndrome Treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, you’ll be treated by a team of multidisciplinary experts who share the same goal: to help you feel better. It is important to know the symptoms and causes of piriformis syndrome so you can receive the right diagnosis and treatment that will get you back on your feet.

Our specialists are experts in all kinds of spine care, treating the most common back, hip, and buttock pain to the most complex conditions and cases. We’re proud to offer the most cutting-edge piriformis muscle therapies. Call today to make an appointment and start getting relief from your piriformis and sciatica symptoms.

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