Piriformis syndrom

SYMPTOMS

Unilateral pain occurring atrest or when walking uphill (stairs, inclined plane) which may radiate to the calf and mimic asciatic pain, without a spinal origin.

CAUSES

Piriformis syndrome results from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve by different mechanisms.

Excessive solicitation of the piriformis muscle by postural disorders (length inequality of the lower limbs, lumbar hyperlordosis, hip unstability) or by asymmetrical, intense and repeated sports activities.

A history of trauma (even old) to the sacroiliac or gluteal region, muscle hypertrophy (smaller & weaker), local myositis (inflammation of the muscle) or bursitis (inflammation ofa bursa, a fluid-filled sac reducing friction between tissues), the presence of a pelvic hematoma, an abscess,a tumor,or a postoperative sequelae or intragluteal (inside glute muscles) injections are also causes to look for.

TREATMENT

Osteopathic treatment will focus in reducing the tensions on the piriformis and the tissues around such as sacrotuberal and sacrospinatus ligaments, glutes, obturators, hamstrings, hip flexors. And by improving the blood flow to this tissues.

But also by restoring mobility to the join articulations such as sacro-iliacs, coxo-femoral and lumbars.

In addition, specific stretchings, automassages exercises and muscle strengthening will be part of the long term treatment.