Piriformis Syndrome vs Sciatica Cause Symptoms How to Self Release (PDF)

1. Piriformis syndrome Piriformis syndrome causes pain or numbness in the buttock, hip, or upper leg. It occurs when the piriformis muscle presses on the sciatic nerve. This condition can be caused by injury, swelling, muscle spasms, or scarring in the piriformis. Most episodes resolve within days or weeks with rest and simple treatment. What is piriformis syndrome? Piriformis syndrome occurs when your piriformis muscle compresses your sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation. It can cause pain or numbness in the buttocks and back of the leg. It can happen on one side of the body or both. The piriformis is a flat, narrow muscle. It runs from the bottom of the spine through the buttocks to the top of the thighs. Your piriformis muscle extends to each side of your body and helps with almost every lower body movement. The sciatic nerve most often runs under the piriformis. The nerve travels from your spinal cord, through your buttocks, down the back of each leg, to your feet. It is the longest, largest nerve in your body.

2. How common is piriformis syndrome? Piriformis syndrome is not very common. Researchers believe that piriformis syndrome only causes about 0.3% to 6% of low back pain. What is the difference between piriformis syndrome and sciatica? Although these conditions are sometimes related and both affect the sciatic nerve, they are different. A herniated disc or spinal stenosis can cause sciatica. Symptoms tend to affect the lower back and may travel down through the buttocks and leg. Piriformis syndrome involves only the piriformis muscle pressing on one area of the sciatic nerve in the buttock. It can be a lot like sciatica, but in a more specific area. More info: piriformis syndrome vs sciatica What causes piriformis syndrome? Anything that pushes the piriformis on the sciatic nerve can cause piriformis syndrome. The most common causes of piriformis syndrome are: •Inflammation (swelling) in the piriformis or the tissues around it. •Muscle cramps. •Scar in the muscle. These problems can result from: •Climbing stairs, walking or running without strong enough piriformis muscles. •A hip, buttock, or leg injury, such as a fall or car accident. •Having tight muscles from lack of physical activity. •Lifting something incorrectly and injuring the piriformis muscle. •Not warming up before physical activity or stretching properly after it. •Exercising excessively or performing repetitive movements such as running long distances. •Prolonged sitting (for example, people who sit a lot at work). However, sometimes abnormal anatomy causes piriformis syndrome. Healthcare providers call this primary piriformis syndrome. For example, a person may be born with a sciatic nerve that has an abnormal pathway in their body. Or a person may be born with an abnormally formed piriformis muscle or sciatic nerve. About more: self piriformis release

3. What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome? Piriformis syndrome symptoms occur in the buttock, hip, or upper leg area. People often describe this feeling as: •Painful. •Burning. •Insensitivity. •Pain. •Armor. •Shooting. Symptoms may worsen with certain activities, such as: •Sitting for long periods of time. •Walking or running. •Climbing the stairs. How is piriformis syndrome diagnosed? Diagnosing piriformis syndrome can be difficult and often involves ruling out other causes. Health Care Provider: •Ask about your symptoms and habits. •Discuss your medical history, including any injuries. •Stretch, rotate, press and move your hip, bottom and leg to see what hurts and what doesn't. There are no specific tests for piriformis syndrome. However, your healthcare provider may order tests to identify other problems that may be causing your symptoms. These tests include: •Ultrasound. •CT scan. •MRI. •Electromyogram (EMG). How is piriformis syndrome treated?

4. To get the right treatment method would mean starting with the right prognosis. In cases like this, it is essential to ensure that you actually have a piriformis situation and not a disc bulge or herniation. Many runners introduce this kind of muscle mass spasm problem. You can also experience this when you adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Since you are sure to have a piriformis problem, stretching and chiropractic adjustments to the lumbar spine and pelvis can be of great benefit. You may also need to have a suitable heel brace or brace tailored to your needs. This is just another aspect to explore. Although some physical therapy physical exercises and muscle stimulation or ultrasound may be prescribed, long-term benefit can be achieved from other conservative approaches. Often times, the piriformis is not the only muscle group that can be in spasm. When one's body responds to physical pressure or other forms of pressure, muscles tense and spasm. This kind of condition occurs much more often than one might expect. However, one of the best ways to effectively treat piriformis syndrome is the Piriformis Stretcher. The Piriformis Stretcher is a scientifically tested massage tool that provides relief from sciatic nerve pain in the hip and buttocks. The Piriformis Stretcher can be used on the lower back up to the hip to provide relief from muscle tension and nerve pain. For more information, please visit here. piriformis syndrome self-care