Cure For Piriformis Syndrome - What Is The Prospect?
introduction
Piriformis syndrome is a pain radiating from the hip caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. It is named after the piriformis muscle, which forms an opening with the pelvic bone (Infrapiriform foramen) forms. In piriformis syndrome, this opening represents a bottleneck for the sciatic nerve.
The cause can be trauma, i.e. an injury, in the buttock region (Gluteal region), or a violent movement. Incorrect posture or sitting on one side for a long time are also possible.
The main symptom is severe pain in the buttocks, which can often radiate down the back of the thigh to the knee. For those affected, turning movements (like crossing your legs) are particularly painful. Furthermore, it can lead to disorders of the sensitivity (sensation) in the legs.
An important differential diagnosis is the herniated disc of the lumbar spine, which should be ruled out by the doctor in case of doubt.
Curability
In the vast majority of cases, piriformis syndrome can be treated and cured with conservative methods. In the case of piriformis syndrome, healing can be understood to mean freedom from pain, which is often only achieved after weeks or months.
Since the course of the piriformis syndrome can often drag on for weeks or months, the patience and cooperation of patient and practitioner (doctor / physiotherapist) is of great importance for the success of the treatment. To treat piriformis syndrome quickly and without complications, its early detection is important. Many patients go to the right doctor too late, which is why the initial phase, which is so important for therapy, is missed.
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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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The hip joint is one of the joints that are exposed to the greatest stress.
The treatment of the hip (e.g. hip arthrosis, hip impingement, etc.) therefore requires a lot of experience.
I treat all hip diseases with a focus on conservative methods.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
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Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert
Once the pain and symptoms are free, the patient is subsequently more susceptible to the recurrence of piriformis syndrome. For this reason, the special stretching exercises should definitely be continued even after you have achieved freedom from pain to prevent recurrence.
Healing time
The course of piriformis syndrome often extends over weeks and months. This process can be accelerated by the therapeutic measures described, but it absolutely requires the active cooperation of the patient (e.g. during stretching exercises). It often has a positive effect on the healing time if the disease is recognized early and adequately treated. In any case, the piriformis syndrome requires the patience of the patient and the therapist, as the lengthy course with pain and restricted mobility can be stressful despite good results from stretching exercises, massages and drug therapy.
You can find more information about the duration of piriformis syndrome here:
- Duration of piriformis syndrome
- Physiotherapy for piriformis syndrome
treatment
If piriformis syndrome is diagnosed, it is first of all important that the person concerned ceases activities and movements that require activity of the piriformis muscle, as this will otherwise continue to irritate the sciatic nerve.
The treatment of piriformis syndrome focuses on conservative methods such as special stretching exercises, physiotherapy and pain and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stretching exercises that are performed by the patient at home or with the support of a physiotherapist can often help to relieve the symptoms of piriformis syndrome relatively quickly. The prerequisite for this, however, is that physiotherapy for the piriformis syndrome is carried out regularly, conscientiously and over a longer period of time.
Particularly in older patients, whose shortened holding muscles are responsible for the nerve irritation, good results can be achieved with these stretching exercises. Drugs such as diclofenac or ibuprofen, which have an anti-pain and anti-inflammatory effect, are also often used. On the one hand, they alleviate the pain, which can be severe, and on the other hand, they promote the regression of the inflammatory nerve irritation of the sciatic nerve. However, these over-the-counter drugs can cause severe stomach problems if they are taken for a long time, which is why the use should be discussed with the attending physician.
Local injections of local anesthetics or cortisone provide rapid relief, but should only be used if the piriformis muscle is easily accessible and the doctor has sufficient experience, as otherwise damage to neighboring nerves and vessels can occur.
Chances of recovery
The chances of recovery from piriformis syndrome are good, but depend to a large extent on the patient's cooperation. First of all, it is important that the piriformis syndrome is detected early, so that the patient does not delay going to the doctor for weeks. In this way, the initial phase of the disease can be used, which can have a positive influence on the course in many cases.
Furthermore, the special stretching exercises should, if possible, be carried out conscientiously and regularly by the patient himself at home according to instructions. This can often shorten the course of the disease. Furthermore, it is important that these exercises are carried out independently even after healing in the sense of freedom from pain and symptoms, as those affected have a significant risk of developing another piriformis syndrome.
