Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in Dubai
Overview
Buttock pain can be a frustrating mystery, hindering movement and enjoyment of daily activities. One potential culprit is Piriformis Syndrome, a condition which irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling that can radiate down the back of your leg, mimicking sciatica.
Well, our neurologists at King’s Spine Centre possess a solid understanding of the sciatic nerve’s structure and function and can accordingly help you with the right Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in Dubai.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
The piriformis is a flat, narrow muscle that stretches from the lower spine through the buttocks to the top of the thighs. It extends to both sides of the body and plays a fundamental role in nearly every lower body movement. It is also used for:
- Rotating the hips outward and inward
- Moving the hip bone away from and to the side of the body
- Stabilizing the hip joint
- Aiding in walking
Piriformis Syndrome arises when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation. This can result in pain or numbness in the buttocks and down the back of the leg, occurring on one or both sides of the body.
In other words, piriformis pain occurs when this muscle spasms and traps the nearby sciatic nerve. It can develop suddenly, often after an injury, or it can gradually emerge over several months.
Commonality of Piriformis SyndromeResearchers estimate that it accounts for only about 0.3% to 6% of cases of lower back pain. |
Causes of Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is a result of the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve muscle compressing sciatic nerve.
Potential causes include:
- Inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle tissue scarring
- Tightness in the piriformis muscle
- Bleeding near the piriformis muscle
-
These conditions may result from:
- Injury to the hip, buttocks, or leg
- Overuse of the piriformis muscle
- Insufficient warm-up or stretching after using the piriformis muscle
- Prolonged sitting
Additionally, some individuals may have anatomical variations that predispose them to piriformis syndrome, such as an abnormally routed sciatic nerve or an atypically shaped piriformis muscle. This is known as primary piriformis syndrome.
Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
The symptoms of piriformis muscle pinching sciatic nerve are as follows:
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttock
- A dull ache in the buttock
- Pain radiating down the back of the thigh, calf, and foot
- Pain when walking up stairs or hills
- Increased pain after prolonged sitting
These symptoms occur because the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. However, most sciatica cases are not caused by piriformis syndrome.
Difference between Piriformis and Sciatica Pain
Often, people get confused between piriformis and sciatica pain. Although both conditions affect the sciatic nerve, sciatica stems from spinal issues such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. In contrast, piriformis muscle pain can start deep in the buttock, compressing the sciatic nerve.
Sciatica refers to the pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling that occurs along the path of the sciatic nerve through the leg. It is a symptom rather than a standalone condition and is the most common symptom of piriformis syndrome.
Sciatica can also result from other factors, like a herniated disk or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine). In piriformis syndrome, the piriformis muscle compresses a specific part of the sciatic nerve, typically causing sciatic nerve pain in the buttock.
Does priformis pain last for a long time?
Mild piriformis syndrome pain may subside with rest within 1 to 2 days. However, if the piriformis muscle is acutely inflamed, irritated, or swollen, the pain may last for several days or weeks, requiring more specific treatment to prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Most people experience complete symptom resolution within 1 to 3 weeks through a targeted physical therapy program.
If untreated, deep buttock pain may worsen over time and persist for 2 years or longer, with some individuals experiencing a gradual worsening of symptoms.
Diagnosis: Piriformis Tests
Diagnosing piriformis syndrome can be challenging and often requires ruling out other potential causes.
Therefore, our nerve specialist at King’s Spine Centre may recommend the following imaging tests:
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Electromyogram (EMG), which measures electrical activity in muscles
Our Conditions
Herniated Disc
Sciatica Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Treating piriformis syndrome usually requires lifestyle adjustments and medication. In some cases, other procedures, including surgery, may be necessary.
Medications
Certain Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms of piriformis syndrome.
Corticosteroid or anaesthetic injections
Our doctors may also recommend Corticosteroid injections in some cases in order to help you get some relief from muscle inflammation.
Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxers like antispasmodics can treat spasms, pain, and stiffness when taken in tablet form. When applied as ointments, they can block nerve impulses to the brain to relieve pain.
Other Treatments
Physical Therapy – Physical Therapy holds a crucial role in treating piriformis syndrome. A skilled physical therapist can show and demonstrate you through exercises designed to strengthen and stretch your muscles, helping to alleviate pain.
Iontophoresis – Iontophoresis is a therapy that uses a mild electric current that aids in relaxing the muscles.
Massage – A licensed massage therapist can perform deep tissue or myofascial release massage on your piriformis muscle to help it relax and release tension.
Exercises to manage Piriformis Syndrome
Exercises that help keep your piriformis muscle strong and flexible include:
- Water aerobics
- Stationary biking
- Walking or jogging
Stretching Workouts
You can stretch the piriformis muscle and surrounding muscles with these exercises:
- Lie on your back and pull one knee toward your chest. Hold the stretch for up to 30 seconds, then switch to the other leg.
- Stand, bend at the hips, and allow your head and hands to fall toward the floor to stretch the back of your legs and buttocks.
Find well-guided Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in Dubai at King’s Spine Centre
Don’t let Piriformis Syndrome hold you back from an active life. At King’s Spine Centre in Dubai, our experienced neurology team offers personalized treatment plans specifically designed to address your Piriformis Syndrome and alleviate your pain. Through a combination of targeted therapies and a focus on long-term management, we’ll help you regain control and move with ease.
