How to Cope with Piriformis Syndrome

Do you have muscle spasms in the buttocks and lower legs that reduce the quality of your life? You could have piriformis syndrome, which impacts the muscles in the buttocks, sciatic nerve, legs, and the foot. You should look for a Newtown piriformis syndrome expert who can educate you on how to overcome the pain. The inflammation of the piriformis muscles compresses the sciatic nerves leading to chronic pain. These piriformis management and treatment tips might improve the condition

Use Ice Massage

You can ice the buttocks area when you begin feeling the piriformis pain; sometimes, the pain might be worse and exacerbated by activities like sitting for an extended time. You can apply the ice on the buttocks after engaging in the triggering activities. You can lie down on your stomach and find a comfortable position and take some time to ice the area. You can allow someone to place the ice cubes on the pelvic region and legs to alleviate the pain. The ice numbs the pelvic region reducing pain and making it easy to engage in everyday activities.

Use Heat Therapy

You can alternate the cold therapy with heating; you can use a heating pad or a hot towel wrapped around the waist region. You should remove the heat pad before sleeping to avoid burn accidents.

Use Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications will alleviate the piriformis syndrome; over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications will work well for chronic pain. However, you may consult your doctor as some pain medications might lead to addiction. You should find the proper drugs and take them as directed to avoid addiction.

Use Piriformis Injections

You ask a doctor for piriformis injections as they deal with the condition effectively. You may ask the doctor if they have administered the specific injections; they will use a local anesthetic which helps reduce the spasm and pain. Although these injections will work well for the pain, you may need Botox injections which help relax the muscles, reducing the pressure on the sciatic nerve. The injection reduces the pain while stretching the piriformis muscles. The muscles will remain stretched after the injection wears off, even if the pain returns.

Stretching and Exercises

Exercising helps the body heal by producing feel-good hormones and stretching the muscles. The exercises alleviate the pressure on the nerves. However, you should start stretching slowly to avoid putting so much pressure on the pelvic region. A comprehensive physical therapy program will guide the best motion exercises that alleviate piriformis syndrome.

Surgery

Surgery might be the last option for individuals with piriformis syndrome; your doctor will recommend the procedure if they cannot treat the pain with physical therapy and medications.

Piriformis syndrome can reduce the quality of your life as it causes chronic pain around the pelvic area and the buttocks. The piriformis syndrome pain might make it challenging to go on with everyday activities. Your doctor might recommend using ice and heat on the pelvic region to alleviate the pain. You may also use medications and pain-blocking injections; surgery might be the last option if the pain does not respond to physical therapy. Good luck finding the proper treatment for piriformis syndrome.