Piriformis sydrome

Piriformis syndrome

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the Piriformis muscle inflames and places pressure on the sciatic nerve as it runs from the sacrum and into the leg.

The Piriformis muscle is a pear shaped muscle found in, well, in the bum. It attaches to the sacrum and extends across, and under the gluteus maximus, to the greater trochanter of the femur. The sciatic nerve passes directly under this muscle as it leaves the sacrum and travels through the buttocks and into the leg. The image shows the location of the Piriformis and its attachment points, as well as the relative position of the sciatic nerve. Therefore, if this muscle gets damaged or inflamed, it will press on the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the buttocks and down the path of the sciatic nerve, which is down the back of the leg. Pain down the back of your leg is called sciatica.

The Piriformis has two functions, depending on what you are doing with your legs at the time. If you are standing, Piriformis is used to turn the entire leg outwards, pointing your toes to the side. If you are sitting, then it is used to open your leg outwards.

How do you get Piriformis syndrome?

One of the most common causes is sitting at a desk, or driving for long periods of time. This causes the muscles which bend the legs at the hip (flexors) to shorten or become tense. As a compensatory measure, the opposing muscles (the extensors) become tense too. The tension in the extensors can cause the Piriformis to spasm, causing pain

Overusing the Piriformis muscle can cause it to become damaged and tension will arise from this. Exercises like cycling, or other seated sports like rowing, can cause damage by using the muscle to much, also known as a muscle strain.

Another common cause of Piriformis syndrome arises from a stiffening or looseness of the sacro-illiac joint. The sacro-illiac joint is a joint between the sacrum and the ilium in the pelvis. This problem will be discussed further in later articles.

Lower back problems can also cause Piriformis syndrome. This is another compensatory reaction which occurs when the Piriformis tenses to protect against pain in the lower back and decreased, or altered gait.

Do I need to worry?

Not with Piriformis syndrome no. It is a muscle imbalance which can be corrected fairly easily with some deep tissue work and exercises.

Sciatica can, however, be caused by a herniated disc. This will also be covered in later articles. If you are suffering from sciatica, you should see an osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor for professional treatment. Sciatica can be treated.

For more information on sciatica: http://www.jointsolutionsuk.com/index.php/sciatica/

Jacque Cilliers Adv Dip. MT. (MSM)

For appointments: 0845 4585 376

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http://www.jointsolutionsuk.com/