piriformis syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or otherwise irritated by the piriformis muscle. This causes pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and along the course of the sciatic nerve. The syndrome may result from anatomical variations in the muscle-nerve relationship, or from overuse or strain.

1 Pathophysiology
2 Other presentations
3 Treatment
4 External links
5 See also

Pathophysiology

In 15% of the population the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle, rather than underneath it. These people have a far greater incidence of piriformis syndrome than does the general population.

Inactive gluteal muscles also facilitate development of the syndrome. These are important in both hip extension and in aiding the piriformis in external rotation of the femur. A major cause for inactive gluteals is unwanted reciprocal inhibition from overactive hip flexors (psoas major, iliacus, and rectus femorus). This imbalance usually occurs where the hip flexors have been trained to be too short and tight, such as when someone sits with hips flexed, as in sitting, all day at work. This deprives the gluteals of activation, and the synergists to the gluteals (hamstrings, adductor magnus, and piriformis) then have to perform extra roles they were not designed to do. Resulting hypertrophy of the piriformis then produces the typical symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment begins with stretching exercises and massage, and the avoidance of contributary activities such as running and bicycling. Some clinicians recommend formal physical therapy, including the teaching of stretching techniques, manual massage, and strengthening of the core muscles (abs, back, etc.) to reduce strain on the piriformis muscle. Anti-inflammatory drugs, Botox, and/or corticosteroid injections can be used. Occasionally surgery may be recommended. The prognosis with treatment is generally good.

External links

National Institute of Neurological Disorders NINDS Piriformis Syndrome Information Page
Neurography Institute provides the patented neurographic MRI (NMR), the only sure method to diagnose Piriformis Syndrome
Dr. Aaron Filler, PhD, MD, Neurosurgeon, authority on Piriformis Syndrome surgery
e-medicine Piriformis Syndrome
Stretching and Strengthening

David Aebischer stopped 27 shots, and Michael Ryder and Alex Kovalev scored goals to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. The Canadiens only needed regulation time to put this one away after opening the season with two straight shootouts. They split those, and now head home with two victories on their trip. Montreal owes this one to Aebischer,

Thank you for viewing the piriformis syndrome page piriformis syndrome.

Ever wondered what others are searching for in relation to piriformis syndrome? Now you can see. Below is a listing of what everyone else is searching for in regard to piriformis syndrome.

1. piriformis syndrome
2. piriformis syndrome and knots in the lower back
3. piriformis muscle syndrome
4. rotated hip can cause piriformis syndrome
5. symptoms of piriformis syndrome
6. icd 9 piriformis syndrome
7. piriformis syndrome and dallas
8. piriformis syndrome exercises
9. piriformis syndrome treatment
10. piriformis syndrome and exercise
11. piriformis syndrome duration
12. piriformis syndrome knee replacement surgery
13. piriformis syndrome misdiagnosis
14. piriformis syndrome symptoms
15. pushing on trigger points for piriformis syndrome
16. icd-9 for piriformis syndrome
17. piriformis syndrome exercise
18. piriformis syndrome in runners
19. piriformis syndrome misdiagnosed as torn labrum
20. piriformis syndrome or sciatica
21. piriformis syndrome therapy
22. posttraumatic piriformis syndrome

piriformis syndrome

Contents

Pathophysiology

Other presentations

Treatment

External links

See also