Duration | Exercises for Piriformis Syndrome

Duration

The duration of a piriformis syndrome depends on many factors. Due to the similarity of symptoms in disc problems, the piriformis muscle is sometimes recognized late as the trigger for the symptoms. If the problem has been present for a long time and a chronification may have already taken place, this can prolong the course of the disease.

Once the basic problem, namely the Piriformis Syndrome, has been diagnosed and the actual therapy can be started with pain and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as physiotherapeutic measures, the individual patient is the most important factor. This means that the patient may have to get used to new movement patterns and refrain from other activities. The performance of physiotherapeutic exercises is also essential for a good and smooth healing process.

In the ideal case, the problems should have improved significantly or even disappeared after 4 weeks at the latest. Conversely, the duration of the Piriformis Syndrome can also be prolonged if nerve damage is already present or if the patient does not approach the therapy consistently and disciplined. In some rare cases, surgery may be necessary, which can further prolong the duration of the syndrome.

Causes

The piriformis muscle is a pear-shaped muscle that extends from the lower inner surface of the sacrum to the inner surface of the thigh bone and belongs to the deep group of hip muscles. Due to its anatomical proximity to the sciatic nerve, it often causes problems in this area. In order to alleviate the symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome, it is important that those affected become active themselves.

Piriformis syndrome can have several causes. Because of the anatomical proximity of the muscle to the sacroiliac joint, problems in this joint can also affect the piriformis muscle and cause problems. External force (e.g. a fall) and injuries can cause scarring of the tissue and cause the problems. Sports injuries and muscle tension also contribute to the development of Piriformis Syndrome. Because of the proximity of the muscle to the sciatic nerve, patients already experience slight changes in the muscle due to pain when it compresses the sciatic nerve.