Introduction
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated by the piriformis muscle. This irritation can occur when the piriformis muscle presses on the sciatic nerve or constricts or irritates it in various other ways. The irritation of the sciatic nerve causes characteristic symptoms. For the treatment of this disease, conservative methods are particularly suitable, such as physiotherapy specifically for piriformis syndrome. and Causes of piriformis syndrome
Symptoms
Normally, the anatomical proximity of the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve does not cause any discomfort. When the piriformis muscle is tense, shortened or inflamed, it tends to enlarge (hypertrophy). Due to the increased space required in the pelvis, the sciatic nerve can become irritated, which can lead to several different symptoms.
In most cases, the piriformis syndrome begins with a stabbing pain in the buttocks. In addition to the stabbing pain, patients often complain of tingling and numbness in the buttocks region; characteristic symptoms that occur during nerve compression. In addition to its localization in the gluteal region, the pain can often radiate along the course of the sciatic nerve into the posterior thigh.
In addition, patients sometimes complain of tingling and numbness in the calf, foot and even toes. In addition to pain in the buttocks and legs, piriformis syndrome can also cause pain in the lumbar region (lumbar spine) of the back, so that when a diagnosis is made, a slipped disc in the lumbar spine must be ruled out to ensure effective treatment. This must be clinically examined thoroughly by the treating physician, because even in the case of a herniated disc of the lumbar spine, a prolapsed disc can press on the sciatic nerve.
and herniated disc of the lumbar spine. The pain occurs particularly when climbing stairs or generally running up an incline, as this increases the irritation on the sciatic nerves. Even if one has been sitting for a long time, the symptoms occur more frequently.
Due to the symptoms, the patient has limited movement in the hip and is conspicuous by a relieving posture and increased limping. In contrast, lying down for a longer period of time can alleviate the pain. If, in addition to the sciatic nerve, the pudendal nerve is also affected, patients complain of tingling and numbness in the perineal and genital region and possibly even bladder and bowel voiding disorders.
Piriformis syndrome causes a number of typical symptoms, most notably pain. They often occur when sitting. This is due to the fact that, when sitting, a large part of the body weight is on the buttocks and thus on the tense muscle, which in the case of Piriformis Syndrome leads to further irritation of the nerve fibers.
The pain can occur immediately after sitting and can become more intense as the pain progresses. Already existing pain is made worse by sitting down. It is also possible that symptoms of sitting occur only after a long time, possibly together with a tingling sensation.
Piriformis syndrome causes symptoms of this kind especially on hard surfaces such as wooden or stone chairs or benches. They are somewhat less common when soft surfaces such as cushions are used. The pain when sitting is mainly located in the buttocks.
Due to the course of the irritated sciatic nerve, symptoms are also found on the back of the thighs, in the groin or slightly higher in the lumbar region. and What is the best therapy for Piriformis Syndrome? In addition to the symptoms while sitting, Piriformis Syndrome typically causes pain while walking.
The piriformis muscle is involved in the walking movement, so symptoms such as pain in the thigh, lumbar and gluteal areas can often be observed. These may be present at the beginning or may develop only after a long period of walking. Due to the physiological function of the piriformis muscle, these symptoms occur particularly when climbing stairs.
In piriformis syndrome, climbing stairs is associated with pain. In general, symptoms such as tingling or numbness can also occur at the affected area. One theory assumes that pain is also relieved by walking, because the movement in the muscle loosens it somewhat and the tension decreases.
However, you should not strain yourself beyond the pain and seek medical advice. Many patients report that pain in Piriformis Syndrome also occurs at night. They are comparable in character and appearance to the pain occurring during the day.The pain at night can be dull, stinging and variable in intensity and can be accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs or feet.
The pain can also radiate to the thighs and back. These symptoms are particularly common if you have been lying on the affected side all night and thus put more strain on it than usual. Therefore, when lying down, you should be careful not to lie on the affected side, which unfortunately cannot be controlled during sleep.
In addition, with Piriformis Syndrome, the pain at night is mainly caused by turning from one side to the other. Because here the muscle that causes the pain carries the turning movement. The symptoms can be relieved by using a soft pillow that is squeezed between the legs on the healthy side before going to bed in a lateral position. This measure often brings an improvement of pain. You can find the most important information that you should read through here:
- Piriformis syndrome
- Piriformis Syndrome Therapy
- Piriformis syndrome causes
- Piriformis syndrome stretching
- Piriformis Syndrome Healing
- Duration of Piriformis Syndrome
- Tests for Piriformis Syndrome
