Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in Delray Beach, FL

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

The piriformis is a flat, narrow muscle that runs from your lower spine through your buttocks to the top of your thighs. It is an important muscle that helps you move your lower body.

Piriformis syndrome is a disorder of this narrow muscle that causes buttock pain. It can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve which can become inflamed and cause thigh and leg pain. The piriformis muscle is located above the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve travels from your spinal cord, through your buttocks, down the back of each leg, to your feet. It’s the longest, largest nerve in your body.

Are you struggling with pain from piriformis syndrome? Our board-certified pain management physician, Dr. Marcie A. Merson has extensive experience treating chronic pain. Contact our pain management clinic in Delray Beach FL to schedule an appointment today. Call us at (561) 499-7020.

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

There are several causes of piriformis syndrome, and sometimes it is confused with sciatica.

Causes are most often due to:

• Inflammation or swelling in the muscle or the tissues around it
• Muscle spasms
• Abnormal position or biomechanics of the sacrum
• Scarring in the muscle
• Abnormal anatomy of the placement of the piriformis muscle (primary piriformis syndrome)

What are the Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome causes pain deep in the buttock and is an underdiagnosed cause of back pain. The pain can also be felt in the hip or upper leg.

The pain may be:

• Aching
• Burning
• Throbbing
• Shooting

The pain often is worse after participating in physical activities like running or walking, but may also occur after sitting or repetitive hip or thigh motion. Most pain episodes go away in a few days or weeks with rest and simple treatments.

How to Diagnose Piriformis Syndrome

As you visit with Dr. Merson about your symptoms, you may need a physical exam or other tests to confirm a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome.

If you suspect you have piriformis syndrome, you can:

• Explain your symptoms and activity habits
• Discuss your medical history
• Review any injuries or previous pain episodes
• Have Dr. Merson stretch, rotate, press, and move your hip, butt, and leg
• Order additional imaging or tests

What Can I Do to Help with Piriformis Syndrome?

If you have piriformis syndrome, the overall goal is to reduce inflammation

Treatments commonly include:

• Rest
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Stretching exercises or physical therapy
• Osteopathic Manual Therapy (OMT)
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Steroid injections
• Ice or heat on the muscle
• Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®).
• Surgery

Piriformis syndrome surgery is usually not recommended unless all other therapies fail. Surgery for this condition may involve removing scar tissue or other sources of pressure on the nerve.

Most treatment involves helping improve mobility and promote the body’s natural healing process. Lifestyle adjustments may need to be made such as proper warm-up, improved posture, proper exercise, proper lifting techniques, or avoiding activities that may cause pain.