What causes piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome causes pain or numbness in your butt, hip or upper leg. It occurs when the piriformis muscle presses on the sciatic nerve. The condition may be caused by injury, swelling, muscle spasms or scar tissue in the piriformis. Most episodes go away in a few days or weeks with rest and simple treatments.
Can piriformis syndrome cause low back pain?
Piriformis syndrome is a common cause of low back pain. It is often not included in the differential diagnosis of back, buttock, and leg pain. Additionally it has received minimal recognition because it is often seen as a diagnosis of exclusion.
What is the fastest way to fix piriformis syndrome?
Treatment. While medications, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended, the mainstay of treatment for piriformis syndrome is physical therapy, exercise, and stretching.
How do I get my piriformis muscle to release?
Massaging your piriformis muscle may help ease your piriformis syndrome symptoms. Regular self-massage and stretches can help loosen the muscle and reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve. You can use a foam roller, tennis ball, or another similar-sized ball.
What is the best muscle relaxer for piriformis syndrome?
Medications like cyclobenzaprine and other muscle relaxants are used to treat all types of lower back pain related to spasm and inflammation, including piriformis syndrome (10). Botulinum toxin (botox) can also relieve sciatic nerve compression from a tight or inflamed piriformis muscle (11).
What inflames the piriformis muscle?
The muscle can become injured or irritated from long periods of inactivity or too much exercise. Some common causes of piriformis syndrome include: overuse from excessive exercise. running and other repetitive activities involving the legs.
What aggravates the piriformis muscle?
Since piriformis syndrome is usually caused by sports or movement that repeatedly stresses the piriformis muscle, such as running or lunging, prevention is often related to good form. Avoid running or exercising on hills or uneven surfaces. Warm up properly before activity and increase intensity gradually.
Is walking good for piriformis?
Cardio exercises: Aerobic exercise is important for your hip muscles and overall health. The best cardio exercise for piriformis syndrome is walking or using an elliptical machine. You can also jog if it doesn’t cause pain.
How do you calm down piriformis syndrome?
Massage therapy
A massage relaxes your piriformis muscle, which can prevent spasming and reduce the pressure on your sciatic nerve. A massage spurs the release of pain-fighting endorphins, which can reduce your experience of pain from piriformis syndrome.