A Pain In The Butt May Be Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome can be characterized by a deep often burning pain in the hip joint which can be difficult to treat. It is also important to target the cause of the pain as well as ensure that it is indeed from the piriformis muscle before beginning treatment. However with regular exercises and attention, this condition can be treated.

The reason it is often difficult to treat piriformis syndrome is because it is related to the piriformis muscle, which is found deep inside the back of the hip joint. It crosses over the top of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body, running from the bottom of the spine, through the hip, knee and to the ankle. When the piriformis muscle is tight, it can cause pinching or tension of the sciatic nerve which can result in searing pain deep inside the buttocks. Sciatica is the condition when the sciatic nerve is pinched, damaged or inflamed. Thus if sciatica is occurring as a result of the piriformis muscle, this is called piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome is often related to sports injuries or overusing the muscle in one particular way without working the surrounding muscles. For example if you are a regular runner your muscles will be conditioned for running forward but not lateral movements. This can be rectified by balancing out your exercise and ensuring all muscles are worked, stretched and are strong.

However, a small percentage of the population suffers from piriformis syndrome because their piriformis muscle does not cross over the top of the sciatic nerve but rather the sciatic nerve goes through the muscle. Less than a third of the population have this, however it has been linked to more severe cases of piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome can be relieved, however it takes a bit of exercise and dedication. It is recommended that exercise and stretches be done to release the piriformis muscle, often with the help of a physical therapist. Stretching this muscle and strengthening the surrounding muscles may help to take pressure off the sciatic nerve, alleviating piriformis syndrome and the pain that comes with it, which can often be very uncomfortable. Exercises and stretches targeting the gluteal muscles as well as the hips, pelvis and lower back may help to strengthen the area, giving the piriformis muscle more support. Exercises for this can include the pelvic tilt, hip extension exercises as well as stretches that work deep into the hip joint, such as lying on your back and pulling your knee towards your opposite shoulder.

For more severe pain anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed or pain killers to alleviate the inflammation and pain, which may help the piriformis syndrome temporarily.

Massaging deep into the hip or as an alternative method being treated with acupuncture, may help to release the tension in the piroformis muscle and thus take pressure off of the sciatic nerve, relieving you of piriformis syndrome.

If the piriformis is not easing surgery may be considered by a physician as a last remedy. This involves an operation to relieve and loosen the piriformis muscle tendon.

Piriformis syndrome, because it occurs so deep in the body and joint, can be a difficult pain to target and repair permanently. It often leads to a tender buttocks and hip area which can cause discomfort and tension along the sciatic nerve as well, making areas of the leg feel weak, tender or numb. It is important to target this muscle by doing continuous stretches and strengthening exercises to ensure the muscles are strong and keep pirformis syndrome at bay.