Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle (pear-shaped muscle) exerts compression on the sciatic nerve (n. ischiadicus).
Since both the muscle and at least one part of the nerve are localized in the buttock area, the first symptoms that may appear are a tingling or shivering sensation in this area. As the condition progresses, this feeling may develop into pain that spreads down the leg and also to the lower back. The pain caused by piriformis syndrome is also often accompanied by reduced range of motion in the hip joints.
The psoas is a small muscle that starts at the lower levels of the spine( sacrum), passes through the buttocks and attaches to the femur. Its function has to do with turning the femur outward. The sciatic nerve, which is responsible for much of the sensation we have in the legs, runs up to or through the pear-shaped muscle before branching off into narrower nerve branches that innervate the leg downwards.
Understanding the anatomical distribution, helps in understanding why piriformis syndrome occurs and explains how low back or leg pain can be sciatic in origin. Irritation or compression on the sciatic nerve can lead to pain, tingling, shivering or weakness that may be felt in the low back, one or both legs. It is also an interesting fact that many people who keep their purses in their back pocket and sit on them cause irritation to the nerve and experience symptoms of the above.
After what you've read so far, you're probably asking yourself: well, if I have this piriformis syndrome what should I do? Of course the best advice is to consult a doctor or physiotherapist who can give you specific information about your condition. However, if you want to try to help yourself first then our advice would be to try some gentle stretching exercises.
Stretching exercises that engage the pear-shaped muscle can help reduce the swelling, tension or spasm of the muscle that may be causing the nerve irritation. We'll give you two sample exercises to try at home on your own:
Sequence of execution:
Sequence of execution:
We'll also throw in another stretching exercise that is not specifically for the piriformis muscle, but rather for the hamstrings, but also has a relieving effect on pain caused by sciatic nerve irritation.
To do this, you need two chairs to place opposite each other. You sit on one chair and place one leg extended over the other chair. You lean forward and try to reach your toes, of course you don't have to touch them, you should feel a stretch on the back of your thigh, which again should not be very painful. Again hold for 4-5 seconds, then repeat with the other leg.
As a cause of this piriformis syndrome, besides the mentioned case, in which quite a few people carry their purse in their back pocket, frequent prolonged running as well as prolonged kneeling can also be a cause.
The stretching exercises we have shown you will help to relieve the symptoms of piriformis syndrome, but first of all it is necessary to determine what caused its occurrence and make any necessary changes to avoid reoccurrence.
