{"id":5052,"date":"2019-03-20T08:20:47","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T08:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=5052"},"modified":"2021-09-10T21:26:00","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T21:26:00","slug":"15-causes-of-the-piriformis-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-causes-of-the-piriformis-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of the Piriformis Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The piriformis syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the buttocks, which makes the pain in the piriformis muscle irritate the closeby sciatic nerve. The irritated sciatic nerve causes further problems in the person\u2019s leg. Feeling a pain arising from the upper side of the leg and going down to the lower side of the leg indicates that you may be having the most common symptoms.
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Patients report feeling electrical sensations as well as uneasiness and pain near the buttock area. Not only does the pain reinforce electrical sensations, but patients also feel a limited range of motion around the hip area.
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Sensations like tingling and even pain when engaging in physical activities are quite common. For reducing the intensity of symptoms of the piriformis syndrome, stretching and exercises are recommended to people.
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Following are the 8 causes of the piriformis syndrome that you might want to look at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. An injury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A blow to the area or even a fall or injury can lead to the piriformis muscle being damaged and causing buttock pain. Whether the injury <\/a>comes from a fall or a car accident, it still might affect the piriformis muscle in a way that would cause health issues for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the piriformis muscle is affected in an injury, the nearby sciatic nerve would react. Thus, it can lead to pain and strange sensations in the leg. There are many kinds of tests that are performed by doctors that could let you know if you have the piriformis syndrome.
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Not only that, but you can also perform exercises to tame down the pain in one of your legs.
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Exercises and stretches make the piriformis muscle stronger and help you recover faster. Those exercises can decrease the severity of your muscle spasms as well as relieving muscle tightness.
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2. Prolonged sitting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>A sedentary lifestyle<\/a> that contains sitting for long periods of time means that you are more likely to have piriformis syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not exercising for weeks and usually being physically inactive for a long time. It can cause your muscles to feel exhausted. That\u2019s why stretching might help you recover quickly.
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Try stretching exercises for stretching out the piriformis muscle. You can try doing the following exercise:
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Lie on your back with your legs extended out. Try lifting your painful leg towards your chest. Make sure you\u2019re holding your knee and ankle. Pull your knee toward the other leg on the other side of your body. Do it until you feel like a stretch is occurring.
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This exercise will definitely help you if your body needs to get used to stretching out. Make sure you don\u2019t stretch too much of your body and end up feeling sore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Swelling or tightening of the muscle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might have a muscle spasm<\/a> due to an injury, causing buttock pain for you. When an injury occurs, affecting the piriformis muscle, it might end up swelling or tightening up your piriformis muscle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, when the muscle tightens up or becomes too swelled, you might feel like your leg or buttock is sore. Not only that, the pain might interrupt your normal lifestyle, causing you to make some changes into your activity level. You may feel the pain when getting up or sitting down, which might also interfere when you\u2019re walking.
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A limited range of motion in the hip area is quite common. So, <\/strong>if there\u2019s any swelling in your piriformis muscle, you might sense the limited range of motion as well. Since the sciatic nerve starts from the end of the spine, and the piriformis muscle is located near the hip area, you may experience such symptoms.
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4. Bleeding near the piriformis muscle<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Another thing which can cause the piriformis syndrome is bleeding in the area of the piriformis muscle. The bleeding can irritate the piriformis muscle<\/a>, causing further issues for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since healing from the syndrome may take a few weeks, it can take longer if your problem is severe. Don\u2019t do any physical activities that cause severe pain in your buttock area.
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If you\u2019ve been in an accident or injury that caused bleeding near the piriformis muscle, then it may take a few weeks for you to heal.
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Maintain your physical activity level. Avoid doing any exercise in your first few days of recovering, as the severity of the condition is the highest in the first few days.
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So, if you\u2019ve been in any kind of accident or injury lately that caused bleeding near the piriformis muscle, it might be the reason you\u2019re experiencing buttock pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Vigorous exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have been experiencing buttock pain after doing vigorous exercise<\/a>, like cardio or HIIT, then it might be the reason for your pain. Sometimes, forcing yourself into stretches without a warm-up can end up in a lot of pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though, if you have done a large amount of vigorous exercise without any warm-up, then the pain would be even worse. Such pain can interrupt normal walking and even getting up or sitting down.
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Remember to always start out with small exercises when getting your body used to exercising again. Healing from the pain and soreness would take a week or two, depending on person to person.
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If you think you might be experiencing such pain a day after exercising, then try taking a warm bath. Fully immerse yourself in a warm bath and relax your muscles. It will help in taming down your pain.
.<\/strong>Extensive stair climbing means excessive physical activities. If you live in a house or a work area that requires you to take the stairs a lot of times during the day, then you might want to slow it down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Extensive stair climbing<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Excessive physical activities actually mean pressure for your body. Any unnecessary pressure on the body can lead to health problems, like piriformis syndrome. The condition may last only a week if you take precautions and listen to what your physiotherapist <\/a>or doctor has to say.
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Try doing simple exercises and stretches to tame down the pain. Even professional athletes develop piriformis syndrome and often take physical therapy sessions during the time.
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You can try yoga or taking massage therapy sessions. Not only do warm baths help, but cold packs can help relieve the inflammation too. Also, some patients try acupuncture to relieve any discomfort around the hip area.
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7. Repetitive activities<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Repetitive physical activities or even lifting heavy objects can be quite daunting when it leads to sciatic pain. It puts pressure near the hip area and irritates the sciatic nerve as well. Even excessive running is not recommended by experts, as it can cause such pain <\/a>too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can do the following exercise to relieve the pain:
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Position yourself about an inch away from a wall. Start out by lying your back and putting your arms on your sides, with both of your palms facing the floor. Extend your legs out and place them on the wall to relax your heels. At this same angle, drag down your right leg only and place the right ankle on your left knee. Then, come back to your normal position by placing your right leg on the wall again. Repeat this exercise with your left leg as well.
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8. Wound near the piriformis muscle.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you happen to have a wound near the buttock prior to an accident, then it may be the reason why your piriformis muscle is tight. You would need to relax the piriformis muscle if you want to recover as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although, people that go through a low severity of pain have a quicker recovering phase. Usually, for them, the pain goes away on its own in a few days. So, if you think you may be going through a less intensity phase, then the pain would go away in less than a week.
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When it comes to wound<\/a>, you may want to keep checking in with your doctor to see the progress. If you believe that you are close to recovering fully, then start stretching out a bit. It will help you relieve the buttock pain faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who develop piriformis syndrome typically have the condition occur due to a complication with dysfunction with another joint or ligament in the lower back or hips. An example is Sacroiliac Joint<\/a> Dysfunction (SI). SI occurs when the sacroiliac joint, joining the two sides of the hip, experiences pain and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with SI often experience pain running down the back of the legs. As a result, they start to shift their posture when sitting and walking. Many people who continue with life untreated for SI will experience permanent changes to their stance. These body mechanics and dynamics changes result in strain on other areas in the hips, such as the piriformis joint. This strain results in piriformis syndrome in the affected individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those individuals that get the right treatment for SI will notice that the piriformis syndrome starts to subside, relieving symptoms of pain and inflammation. With regular therapy, the patient will eventually recover from the use of their hips and avoid any further complications with piriformis syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Hip Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have hip disorders are more prone to developing piriformis syndrome. These individuals may experience congenital disabilities or trauma to the joint that changes its structural integrity. Hip disorders can occur due to problems with the ligaments supporting the hips. The hip flexors<\/a> can experience shortening due to spending long stretches sitting in an office chair at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This repetitive seating behavior results in an imbalance in the hip flexors, affecting the surrounding musculature of the hips. As a result, the affected individual may start to notice the onset of piriformis syndrome. Typically, the patient will have plenty of advanced warnings about the oncoming problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Piriformis syndrome and hip problems take a long time to start showing up. In most cases, people will go for months or years without seeking treatment before the condition becomes unbearable. It\u2019s a good idea to take action and seek treatment as early as possible for any hip problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Osteoarthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Osteoarthritis <\/a>is a degenerative condition affecting the skeletal system. Arthritis is common in old age, and it\u2019s a sign of slowing protein synthesis. A lifetime of wear and tear on your joints can leave you with some aches and pains in your dotage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, osteoarthritis occurs in people over the age of 60. The condition involves the slow degeneration of the structural integrity of the skeletal system. Typically, seniors face this problem in the lower back or the hips. Osteoarthritis limits the range of motion in the joint, and it can also change the posture of the affected individual as they adjust their walking and sitting gait to prevent pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with osteoarthritis can cause muscular imbalances in the hips that cause the onset of piriformis syndrome in the affected individual. Most patients require treatment with medication designed to reduce inflammation in the affected area. In most cases, pain management drugs are not necessary for the management of the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Developmental Dysplasia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This congenital condition occurred when a newborn experiences a dislocated hip or a problem involving the easy dislocation of their hip. In most cases, the child has a smaller hip socket that doesn\u2019t allow for the full docking of the joint and effective range of motion or movement of the affected hip or hips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the baby experiences frequent dislocation of the hip joint, requiring medical intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequent dislocation can affect the muscles around the hips, causing structural imbalances. Structural imbalances on muscles cause dysfunction that can lead to the development of piriformis syndrome in the affected child. As a result, the disorder may severely limit the child\u2019s quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developmental dysplasia <\/a>is not a curable problem, and it follows the child into adolescence and later life. The person will need surgery to try and repair the joint, but they may develop postural problems regardless of the surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13 Irritable Hip Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some children may develop the irritable hip syndrome, especially after experiencing an upper-respiratory infection. The irritable hip syndrome will change the walking posture of a child due to the hip pain occurring from the condition. The child may develop a limp, and they require immediate medical attention to resolve the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failing to treat and resolve the limp in the child may end up permanently altering their posture. Kids with posture problems may require hundreds of hours of physiotherapy to recover their normal movements. Posture problems also lead to muscular dysfunctions. In the case of children with the irritable hip syndrome, they might start to cause imbalances in the hip flexors, resulting in the development of piriformis syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, irritable hip syndrome resolves by itself, without any medical intervention. However, if your child is still limping after 72-hours, take them to the doctor for a checkup and evaluation of their hips. The doctor will assess the problem and make recommendations for medicine or physiotherapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Lumbar Disc Injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The spine consists of the vertebrae, the bony joints<\/a>, and the discs, the soft cartilage that absorbs shock and pressure between the joints. As we age, the body starts to experience a slowdown in protein synthesis. Since proteins and amino acids are the building blocks of our body, some individuals begin to experience a more rapid deterioration of their skeletal system than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals that develop spinal disorders like stenosis and spondylitis end up experiencing problems with the discs in their back. The discs may swell and inflame, resulting in the trapping of nerves and the spasming of muscles. The delicate network of nerves in the lower back plays a role in developing piriformis syndrome, especially in seniors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disc injuries from slip-and-falls in seniors and young adults may result in dysfunction of the nervous system and the onset of piriformis syndrome in the affected individual. Consult with your doctor if you have back pain that you think maybe causing piriformis syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Lower Back Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have piriformis syndrome often have issues involving the dysfunction of movement in their lower back<\/a>. The sciatic nerve extends from the lumbar spine through the hip joint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the lower back starts to experience muscular dysfunction, it creates stress and tension in the surrounding muscles. Eventually, this tension and stress spread to the piriformis muscle, resulting in the development of a condition known as \u201cSciatica.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sciatica is a somewhat debilitating and tremendously painful condition. Affected individuals experience the piriformis muscle clamping down on the sciatic nerve. As the tension occurs, the patient notices a sharp, searing pain shot down the back of their leg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with severe lower back pain are at risk of developing piriformis syndrome. Some of the attributing conditions include the following. <\/p>\n\n\n\n