Piriformis Syndrome, Muscle Pain from Sitting Too Long!

Causes, types, symptoms, and how to prevent and treat Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle is a muscle located in the buttocks and extends from the front of the sacrum, forming a triangle between the two hip bones in the pelvis. The piriformis muscle functions to move the thigh from side to side and maintain pelvic balance. However, just like any other muscle, the piriformis muscle can suffer from an injury commonly known as Piriformis Syndrome and is susceptible to people aged 18-55 years.

Piriformis syndrome is a problem that occurs due to the piriformis muscle located under the gluteus maximus muscle experiencing muscle spasm, thus pressing and disturbing the sciatic nerve, which is a nerve that runs from the lower back, through the piriformis muscle, then radiates to the thigh and calf.

The pain that occurs when experiencing Piriformis Syndrome usually includes somatic, neuropathic or both pain components. Somatic pain comes from myofascial pain from the piriformis muscle. Meanwhile, neuropathic pain is caused by inflammation and hypertrophy of the piriformis muscle so that the sciatic nerve is pinched. If this process is left untreated, it can increase central sensitization and activation of neuropathic pain pathways. The result is pain and numbness that, if left untreated, can radiate to the waist, hips, thighs, lower calves and feet. There can even be inflammation, swelling, and symptoms of nerve irritation when suffering from this syndrome.

To understand Piriformis Syndrome further, let's take a look at a brief explanation in the following article.

A. Causes of Piriformis Syndrome

There are several things that can cause and increase the risk of Piriformis Syndrome, including:

1. Lifting heavy weights in the wrong position and without prior preparation;
2. Overexerting yourself when exercising so that the body has not adapted;
3. Sitting or lying in a supine position for too long;
4. Doing too much repetitive motion on the limbs, such as running, walking, climbing stairs or hills;
5. Injuries from physical activity such as playing sports; and
6. Falls or accidents.

B. Types of Piriformis Syndrome

Based on the causative factors, Piriformis Syndrome is divided into three types, namely:

1. Primary Piriformis Syndrome: Is a syndrome caused by tension or spasm of the piriformis muscle itself.
2. Secondary Piriformis Syndrome: Occurs when there is another condition, such as an injury to the hip or poor posture, that causes the piriformis muscle to become inflamed or tense.
3. Compressive Piriformis Syndrome: Occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and other symptoms in the leg and groin.

C. Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome

Generally, the symptoms that arise when affected by Piriformis Syndrome are as follows:

1. The onset of tingling and numbness in the buttocks that spreads to the hamstrings and calves;
2. Stiffness and pain in the hips, waist, buttocks, and legs when sitting or walking for more than 15 minutes;
3. Pain gets worse when turning the leg and stepping to the side;
4. Pain when getting out of bed or having a bowel movement; and
5. Pain in the genital area, especially in women.

D. Tips for Avoiding and Overcoming Piriformis Syndrome

1. Do not sit or lie down for too long, as muscles that are under-mobilized or overstressed will lack elasticity and increase the risk of muscle injury. Instead, limit the length of time you sit and take breaks to stand or walk for a while.
2. Stretch regularly, especially when you have to sit for long periods of time due to work or driving. Stretching can increase flexibility and joint range of motion so that the muscles return to their original size and position. Stretching can also improve blood circulation to the muscles and bring nutrients and oxygen needed to strengthen the muscles.
3. Warm up before running up and down hills, as well as when you have to run on uneven surfaces. Warming up makes the muscles more ready for use.
4. Compressing painful areas with warm water or ice for 15-20 minutes can reduce pain in your body.
5. Massage can restore muscle tissue activity by improving blood flow so that the body's metabolic function is optimized. Come to PH Remedial Massage Indonesia to get Remedial Massage treatment and treatment consultation. PH Remedial Massage will help restore muscles to their normal position and shape. Schedule your visit and choose your preferred therapist! PH Remedial Massage Indonesia will give you a full body muscle specialist massage, without oil, fast, precise, and hassle-free!

Source:

• https://www.alodokter.com/sindrom-piriformis
• https://www.alodokter.com/mengenal-sindrom-piriformis-dan-pengobatannya
• https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/3148/bagaimana-mendiagnosis-sindrom-piriformis
• https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/berbagai-pengobatan-untuk-mengatasi-sindrom-piriformis
• https://www.freepik.com