Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder caused when the piriformis muscle puts pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back. The condition can cause sciatica, a pain that starts in the buttocks and runs down the legs to the foot, usually caused by pressure or irritation of lower back nerves.
About 5% of sciatica cases are due to piriformis syndrome. However, you can have sciatica and not have piriformis syndrome, and vice versa. At Trinity Surgery Center, we provide piriformis blocks to relieve pain from both conditions. We will diagnose and treat you accordingly.
The Importance of the Piriformis Muscle
The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, stabilizes the hip joint, helps the thigh move side to side and enables lift and rotation away from the body. We need the piriformis muscle to walk, maintain balance and shift our weight from one foot to another. In addition, athletes use the piriformis muscle for lifting and thigh rotation – so nearly every motion of the hips and legs.
The Piriformis Muscle and Sciatic Nerve Relationship
The piriformis muscles can put pressure on the sciatic nerve if they spasm or become strained and tight. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine, passes alongside the piriformis muscle, goes down the leg and branches off into smaller nerves in the feet. Hence, you feel pain, weakness or numbness from your back and buttocks down your legs with sciatica.
Causes, Risks and Prevention of Piriformis Syndrome
You use the piriformis muscle every day, so it can become irritated or injured at any time. And while excessive exercise can inflame the muscle and cause piriformis syndrome, so can long periods of inactivity. Activities that can result in the condition include:
- Exercises that require repetitive movement of the legs, such as running or stair climbing
- Lifting heavy objects
- Sitting for prolonged periods
Injuries can also damage the piriformis muscle, causing it to put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Such injuries include:
- A bad fall that causes a sudden twist of the hip
- A direct hit during sports or trauma from a vehicle accident
- A penetration wound that reaches the muscle
You are equally as likely to get piriformis syndrome by participating in rigorous lower-body workouts as you are by sitting at a desk all day long without frequently standing up to move around. And while exercise does put you at risk of getting piriform syndrome, some training can reduce your risk by keeping your muscles strong and healthy.
Therefore, the best way to prevent piriform syndrome is to exercise regularly, but warm up and stretch before you do, and gradually build up the intensity of your workout. Additionally, remember to stand up and move around at least a few minutes every hour when you have to sit for many hours straight.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Piriformis Block is a 20–30-minute treatment involving an injection containing a steroid and a local anesthetic into the piriformis muscle around the sciatic nerve. It reduces inflammation and irritation of the nerve. You will immediately feel relief, thanks to the anesthetic, and further relief in the following week from the steroid.
For some, the pain from piriformis syndrome can become so severe that they cannot even complete basic tasks like sitting or cleaning the house. But regardless of your pain level, a piriformis block can give you relief by targeting the affected area. Contact Trinity Surgery Center today to schedule an appointment.
Posted on Behalf of Trinity Surgery Center