Symptoms

The symptoms of Piriformis syndrome are similar to those of sciatica. This is because the anatomical proximity and the disease-related changes in the piriformis muscle may cause pressure on the sciatic nerves. Those affected then notice this through strong stabbing or pulling pain in the buttocks, which can radiate into the legs and surrounding tissue.

Depending on the severity of the pain, it can also lead to sensations of discomfort or numbness. Prolonged sitting or standing usually worsens the symptoms. Due to the function of the piriformis muscle, piriformis syndrome also causes pain when walking, especially when climbing stairs, if the muscle is also stressed.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain caused by the nerve of the same name, which runs from the lower back to the foot. Due to its anatomical location, the sciatic nerve is unfortunately very susceptible to irritation, so that sciatic pain can be the result of various causes. These include, for example, herniated discs, vertebral blockages, a piriformis syndrome, muscle tension or an ISG blockage.

The pain is described by those affected as intense, stabbing and burning. They can be localized, but often radiate into the legs. The therapy of sciatica pain is initially aimed at relieving the pain of the patient.

This is done, for example, by administering painkillers or by injecting pain and anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the back muscles. Warmth and protection also help in the acute phase of sciatic pain, but in the long term, patients should move rather than rest. Other conservative therapeutic measures for sciatic pain include massages, physiotherapy, back school, acupuncture or gentle sports such as yoga, Pilates or swimming.

The sciatic pain usually disappears after 4-6 weeks at the latest. To prevent a recurrence it is advisable to integrate a series of exercises into the weekly routine. This article may also be of interest to you: Exercises for sciatic pain during pregnancy

ISG Blockade

An ISG blockage can occur as a result of Piriformis syndrome because the muscle and ligamentous apparatus of the sacroiliac joint are very close together.An ISG blockage is noticeable to the patient by pulling pain in the area of the lower back and buttocks, which can also radiate into the legs. The pain is usually worsened when the patient slightly bends forward or after turning the thigh outwards on the affected side. Triggers for an ISG blockage are usually small stumbles in everyday life, uneven surfaces or lifting heavy loads.

The aim of the therapy is to release the blockage of the sacroiliac joint in order to relieve the patient of the suffering. The blockage can be released either by self-mobilization or with the help of an experienced physiotherapist or ostheopath. To supplement the therapy, pain and inflammatory medications can also be prescribed, as well as muscle relaxants in more serious cases. In order to get the problem under control in the long term and to prevent the development of a new blockage, it is important that those affected regularly perform exercises to stretch and strengthen the ligamentous apparatus in the lower back.

ISG Blockade
Exercises ISG-Blockade
Physiotherapy for ISG-Blockade
ISG Syndrome Physiotherapy