Piriformis syndrome is a collection of symptoms caused by pressure on the nerves in the lower back by the piriformis muscle. This condition is characterized by pain and numbness that appears in the buttocks and back of the legs.
The piriformis muscle is a muscle located in the buttocks, close to the hip joint. This muscle plays an important role in helping the lower body move and maintain balance. However, if overused or left inactive for a long time, the piriformis muscle can become injured or inflamed.
Piriformis Syndrome Causes and Risk Factors
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, which is injured and inflamed, presses on the sciatic nerve, which is the nerve that begins in the spinal cord and extends to the buttocks and legs. As a result, the lower body will experience pain and numbness.
Some activities and conditions that can increase your risk of piriformis syndrome are:
- Lifting heavy weights
- Pushing yourself while exercising or exercising
- Perform repetitive movements of the legs, such as walking or running
- Often sits for long periods of time or climbs stairs
- Making sudden twisting movements of the hips
- Having a stab wound to the piriformis muscle
- Hitting the piriformis muscle while exercising
- Having an accident while driving
- fall
Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
Symptoms of piriformis syndrome usually only occur on one side of the lower body, but can also occur on both sides. Some of the symptoms are:
- Numbness and tingling in the buttocks, which radiates to the legs
- Pain in the buttocks when sitting, so sitting becomes uncomfortable
- Pain in the buttocks and legs that gets worse when sitting for a long time or doing activities
In severe cases, pain in the buttocks and legs can make it difficult for sufferers to carry out daily activities.
When to go to the doctor
Do check with your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, especially if they have lasted more than a few weeks or if these complaints come and go.
Checks also need to be done if symptoms appear after an injury or accident, or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as not being able to control urination or defecation.
Piriformis Syndrome Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also ask if the patient has ever fallen, had an accident, or was injured while playing sports.
Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination by asking the patient to perform certain movements, so that the doctor knows what movements cause pain.
The doctor will also carry out supporting examinations, such as CT scans and MRIs, which aim to rule out the possibility that the patient's symptoms are caused by other diseases.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Piriformis syndrome sometimes does not need special treatment. Doctors will usually advise patients to rest and avoid activities that can trigger symptoms.
Some things that patients can do to relieve piriformis syndrome symptoms are:
- Taking pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Compressing the painful area with a cold compress for 15-20 minutes, or with a warm compress for no more than 20 minutes
- Doing therapy or stretching exercises by first consulting a doctor about the right exercises
In patients with severe symptoms, there are several methods of treatment that can be done by doctors, namely:
- Prescribing muscle relaxants to stretch and stretch muscles
- Giving corticosteroid injections to the painful body part to relieve inflammation
- Do transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS), which is low-voltage electrical therapy to relieve muscle pain and tension
Complications of Piriformis Syndrome
If left untreated, piriformis syndrome can cause injury to the sciatic nerve (sciatica). This condition can permanently damage nerves and lead to a number of complications. These complications include chronic pain, permanent numbness, and paralysis.
Piriformis Syndrome Prevention
To reduce the risk of developing piriformis syndrome, there are several ways that can be done, namely:
- Do exercise regularly, but don't overdo it.
- Warm up and stretch before exercising.
- Gradually increase the intensity of the exercise, and if pain occurs, stop and rest until the pain goes away.
- Do not run on uphill or uneven surfaces.
- Avoid sitting or lying down for long periods of time.