Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. Dr. Nihal Özaras shared important information and made recommendations about piriformis syndrome, which can often be seen in people who sit for a long time for work or other reasons, and in athletes.
Stating that piriformis syndrome is a clinical picture that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which goes from the waist down to the feet, is compressed under a muscle called the pyrifomis, while passing through the hip region, Prof. Dr. Nihal Özaras, “The piriformis muscle is a muscle that takes part in activities such as standing and walking. Thickening of this muscle due to overuse, as in athletes, can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve passing just below it. The sciatic nerve can also be compressed under this muscle in those who sit for a long time for work or other reasons. Sometimes, structural anomalies of the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve.
Noting that pain in the hip and leg are the main complaints in piriformis syndrome, Prof. Dr. Nihal Özaras, “The pain increases with sitting. Sometimes, complaints such as tingling and numbness spreading to the leg are seen. There is no specific blood test or imaging method to diagnose this syndrome. The diagnosis can be made with a medical history and examination, which includes information such as the onset, course, and triggering factors of the complaints. Sometimes, some tests such as MRI may be needed to exclude other diseases.
prof. Dr. Nihal Özaras emphasized that it is necessary to avoid movements that compress the sciatic nerve first and said, “Painkillers and muscle relaxants can be useful in reducing the pressure on the nerve and relieving complaints. With physical therapy methods and correct exercises, treatment can be provided to a large extent. Patients who do not benefit despite these treatments may require surgical intervention.
Be the first to comment