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Piriformis Syndrome - A Real Pain In The Butt

Piriformis syndrome can be a pain in the butt and hips. The piriformis muscle is a pear-shaped muscle in the buttock. It is one of several muscles that allow the femur (thigh bone) to rotate.

 

In most cases the sciatic nerve is situated adjacent to the piriformis muscle but in some individuals the sciatic nerve will actually intersect the piriformis muscle. Generally, the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve are neighbors that get along well and have no issues. There are times, however, the piriformis muscle trespasses onto sciatic nerve property and irritates the nerve. This can cause pain in the buttock or hip region or cause symptoms to radiate into the lower extremity. When the sciatic nerve intersects the muscle, it is almost unavoidable that simple piriformis muscle contractions will irritate the sciatic nerve and induce piriformis syndrome.

When there is pain radiating into the lower extremities or sciatica, it becomes imperative for your provider to sort out whether that pain is coming from the spine or buttock as treatments will be different for each. There can be some crossover of symptoms making this assessment difficult. Piriformis symptoms may include pain and discomfort when sitting, pain worsening with prolonged sitting, tenderness of muscles in the buttock region, pain and tingling in the buttock that radiates into the lower extremity.

Treatment options include, ice, rest, NSAIDs, piriformis muscle stretches, muscle relaxants, trigger point injections, physical therapy, cortisone injections, Botox® injections for prolonged muscle relaxation, and in severe cases may require surgery to free the entrapped nerve.

Yes, piriformis syndrome can be a serious pain in the butt, but not an untreatable one. Please call Advanced Spine and Pain to schedule your consultation to discuss your best treatment options.

 


 

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Advanced Spine and Pain is a leading pain management group based in Phoenix, AZ, and quickly expanding throughout the state. Offering minimally-invasive pain care services, the ASAP group consists of Arizona's top pain management specialists, including Drs. Abram Burgher, Todd Turley, and Jarrett Leathem.

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