Piriformis Syndrome is a rare neuromuscular condition resulting from the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve. The team of spine and sports specialists at New York Pain Care in NY and NJ offers a wide array of advanced pain management treatments, including injections to relieve pain and spasms in the muscle, enabling you to walk and run without discomfort.
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What Typically Causes the Piriformis Syndrome?
The Piriformis muscle starts at the lower spine and connects to the upper surface of each femur. It assists in rotating the hip and turning the leg outward and runs diagonally, with the sciatic nerve running vertically directly beneath it. Piriformis syndrome results from irritation of the piriformis muscle, which often leads to painful spasms.
Common causes behind the condition and its main triggers include:
Sports
Hiking
Exercising
Running
Walking
Sitting for long periods of time
Walking up stairs
The piriformis muscle can also irritate the sciatic nerve and cause the same pain, numbness, and tingling along the back of the leg. This tingling and numbness can even continue down into the foot. Moreover, piriformis syndrome is often confused with other conditions, especially lumbar spine conditions.
Learn More About the Treatment for Piriformis Syndrome
Our healthcare professional will develop a treatment plan using the most appropriate approach depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors.
Some common treatment options for managing piriformis syndrome include:
Rest to avoid activities that worsen the pain and provide ample rest to the affected area, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Applying ice packs or heating pads to the affected area to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation after the initial inflammation has subsided.
Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the piriformis muscle. Some effective stretches include the seated piriformis stretch, pigeon pose, and supine piriformis stretch.
A personalized physical therapy exercise program and manual therapy techniques to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve overall posture and mechanics, relieve muscle tension, and improve mobility.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injection into the piriformis muscle to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Massage to relax the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues, reducing pain and promoting healing.
Chiropractic adjustments to correct any misalignments or imbalances that could be contributing to the condition.
Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate healing and pain relief.
Avoid prolonged sitting and using ergonomic cushions to reduce pressure on the buttocks if sitting exacerbates your symptoms.
At New York Pain Care, we understand that an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward recovery. Our Board Certified doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Piriformis Syndrome.
Call us today or book an appointment online now to get started on an individualized treatment plan for you.
OUR LOCATIONSCall to book (212) 604-1300
