Piriformis syndrome is a condition that is new to most people who aren't medical professionals or physical therapists.
It's a type of buttock pain experienced by those who have damaged or injured their piriformis muscle.
This muscle can be found deep in the buttocks under the gluteus maximus.
The job of the piriformis muscle is to help rotate the hips.
Discomfort from piriformis syndrome can be slight, causing little more than a bit of numbness in the buttocks.
But it can also be so severe that it's debilitating.
The pain can travel all the way down through the thighs to the feet.
The piriformis is close to the sciatic nerve, which is the one of the biggest and longest nerves in the human body.
This nerve originates in the back and extends down the legs.
When the piriformis muscle is injured or damaged, it can affect the sciatic nerve, causing pain anywhere from the buttocks to the feet.
Normally, the piriformis is located just above the sciatic nerve.
However, this is not true in all instances.
Sometimes, it passes directly through the muscle.
Because of any number of factors, including injury, overuse, poor posture, or congenital abnormality, the muscle will compress the sciatic nerve.
When this happens, the individual not only experiences the proverbial "pain in the butt," but may also feel numbness and discomfort all the way down to the feet.
Identifying Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome Your doctor may have a difficult time determining if your buttock pain comes from piriformis syndrome or sciatica.
The symptoms of sciatica and piriformis are very similar.
They may include: *Pain that originates deep inside the buttocks or the upper part of the thigh.
*Pain that may or may not travel down to toward the feet.
*There may be streaks of pain going down the legs.
This pain may or may not be accompanied by numbness in the buttocks and legs.
*Numbness in a foot may occur.
*Even sitting or standing in one place for short periods can cause buttock pain.
How to Treat Piriformis Syndrome You can talk to a physical therapist who can suggest some exercises.
This is a good first step.
A lot of the exercise that help relieve piriformis syndrome don't require any special equipment.
You can do them at home, or possibly even where you work.
These exercises are designed to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is often compressed or damaged in piriformis syndrome cases.
Hydrotherapy, massage, and ultrasound may also be recommended.
Certain anti-inflammatory medications may help too, including ibuprofen and naproxen.
Your doctor may prescribe something stronger depending on your level of pain.
In cases where your discomfort persists or grows progressively worse, an injection using a combination of lidocaine (an anesthetic) and cortisone (an anti-inflammatory drug) may be used.
In certain instances, botox treatments may be an option.