Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome results in pain in the hip and buttock which radiates down the back of the thigh. It is the result of sciatic nerve compression at the level of the piriformis muscle located in the buttock region, which can cause nerve pain.
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What is the condition?
Piriformis syndrome results in pain in the hip and buttock which radiates down the back of the thigh. It is the result of sciatic nerve compression at the level of the piriformis muscle located in the buttock region, which can cause nerve pain.
How is piriformis syndrome diagnosed?
Your provider will attempt to differentiate these symptoms such as pain and aching, from lumbar spinal and intrinsic hip pathology. The diagnostic workup includes imaging with a CT-guided botox injection into the piriformis muscle, which can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve (confirming the diagnosis).
How is piriformis syndrome treated?
If confirmed, surgical treatment may involve sciatic nerve decompression with release of the piriformis muscle to create space for the sciatic nerve.
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