Piriformis Syndrome

Definition:

• A condition where the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain to the buttocks and referring pain along the course of the sciatic nerve

• The referred pain is called “sciatica”

How:

• Acute or chronic injury to the piriformis results in swelling of the muscle and irritation of the nerve

• The sciatic nerve usually passes underneath the piriformis muscle, however 15% of the time the nerve will pass through the muscle

• Those who have the nerve passing through the muscle are predisposed to this condition

• Biomechanical problems such as over pronation of the foot or other coexisting conditions

Symptoms:

• Pain worse with sitting, climbing stairs, or performing squats.

• Pain into the buttocks and “sciatica”

• Relief of pain when walking

• Can have associated tingling and numbness throughout the sciatic nerve distribution

• Tenderness at the greater trochanter – bump on the outside of the upper thigh

Treatment:

• Ice massage – 3-5 minutes with an ice cup

• Progressive piriformis stretching

• Adjusting of the low back and pelvis

• Soft tissue mobilizations of the piriformis muscle to relieve spasms

• Orthotics

• Custom made orthotics through Biomechanical Services can be made for you at Gallagher Chiropractic and Sports Medicine.