Updated: Apr 28, 2009
Low back pain (LBP), is ubiquitous. An estimated 30-45% of persons aged 18-55 years have some form of back pain in their lifetime. LBP most commonly involves one of the following conditions: sciatic nerve entrapment, herniated nucleus pulposus, direct trauma, muscle spasm due to chronic or overuse injury, or piriformis syndrome.
Piriformis syndrome is characterized by pain and instability. The location of the pain is often imprecise, but it is often present in the hip, coccyx, buttock, groin, or distal part of the leg. The history and physical findings are key elements in differentiating the more common forms of LBP and piriformis syndrome. The literature and general knowledge on piriformis syndrome is limited, compared with that of sciatica or disc herniation. However, the common findings associated with piriformis syndrome are agreed upon.
Yeoman first described piriformis syndrome in 1928 as periarthritis of the anterior sacroiliac joint. The history of this condition stems from one of many causes of lower back and leg pain. Many patients who underwent unsuccessful surgery in the lumbosacral region were later found to have piriformis syndrome.
For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Osteoporosis and Bone Health Center and Back, Ribs, Neck, and Head Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Back Pain.
The female-to-male incidence ratio of piriformis syndrome is 6:1. In one study at a regional hospital, 45 of 750 patients with LBP were found to have piriformis syndrome. Another author estimated that the incidence of piriformis syndrome in patients with sciatica is 6%.
The function of the piriformis muscle is to externally rotate and abduct the thigh. The sacral plexus is closely associated with the anterior surface of the piriformis muscle. The lumbosacral trunk and the ventral rami of the first 3 sacral nerves form the sacral plexus. The sciatic nerve passes inferior to the piriformis muscle.
The sciatic nerve exits the pelvis via 4 routes: (1) The nerve passes anteriorly to the piriformis between the rims of the greater sciatic foramen. (2) The peroneal portion of the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis; the tibial portion passes anterior to the piriformis muscle. (3) The peroneal branch of the sciatic nerve loops above and posterior to the piriformis muscle, whereas the tibial branch passes anterior to the piriformis muscle. (4) The undivided sciatic nerve penetrates the piriformis muscle.
Dysfunction of the piriformis muscle can cause signs and symptoms of pain in the sciatic nerve distribution, that is, in the gluteal area, posterior thigh, posterior leg, and lateral aspect of the foot.
Gait mechanics help in demonstrating the physiologic features of piriformis hypertrophy. When a person takes a step forward, the extremity moves from external rotation to internal rotation, and the piriformis muscle lengthens. This stretching is followed by reflex contraction. A second contraction in the initially stretched piriformis muscle occurs when the opposite foot swings forward. This gait pattern leads to hypertrophy, and the dual contraction is further exacerbated by the stretching of the piriformis muscle on the side of a shortened leg.
More commonly, piriformis syndrome is secondary to inflammation due to gluteal trauma or spasm. The effect of this inflammatory process on the sciatic nerve is chemical rather than mechanical. Several theories suggest that the following are key factors in the muscle hyperfunction or spasm that leads to an interstitial myofibrositis: extravasation of blood; release of serotonin from platelets; and prostaglandin E, serotonin, bradykinin, and histamine release.
Although no general consensus about the etiology and pathophysiology of piriformis syndrome exists, many physicians and physical therapists attribute this syndrome to a specific mechanism involving the sciatic nerve. For example, Benson and Schutzer attributed the syndrome to blunt trauma to the buttocks that results in hematoma formation and subsequent scarring between the sciatic nerve and the short external rotators.1 Entrapment of the sciatic nerve at the sciatic trunk (where it leaves the pelvis and crosses the greater sciatic notch) is an infrequent cause. This entrapment can also occur as a result of an enlarged hypertrophic piriformis, an inflamed piriformis muscle, tumors, cysts, and pseudoaneurysms.
Patients with piriformis syndrome have the following symptomatic history:
Piriformis syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion.
| Hamstring Injury | Lumbosacral Spine Sprain/Strain Injuries |
| Lumbosacral Disc Injuries | Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis |
| Lumbosacral Discogenic Pain Syndrome | Lumbosacral Spondylolysis |
| Lumbosacral Facet Syndrome | Sacroiliac Joint Injury |
| Lumbosacral Radiculopathy |
Professions that involve prolonged sitting can worsen symptoms of piriformis syndrome, and patients should avoid sitting for long periods. Patients should be instructed to stand and walk every 20 minutes. Patients should make frequent stops when driving to stand and stretch.
Most intraoperative findings include adhesions around the piriformis muscle and anatomic variations of the divisions of the sciatic nerve above, below, and through the belly of the piriformis muscle.
In the recovery phase, the patient may begin gradual strengthening activities for the piriformis and gluteal muscles. Therapeutic modalities may be continued through this phase to enhance the benefits of rehabilitation. As the patient becomes asymptomatic, he or she may initiate light sport-specific activities and functional training. Addressing posture and faulty pelvic mechanics is important when resuming activity. Some athletes may need to change their footwear or undergo an orthotic consultation to correct their pelvic alignment and avoid further stress on the piriformis muscle.
See Other Treatment for the acute phase.
During the maintenance phase of rehabilitation, the patient should continue performing a home exercise program for increasing flexibility and strength. Athletes may gradually increase their training volume as tolerated. Runners should be cautious when resuming speed training and hill running, doing so in a gradual fashion with proper warm-up and cool-down periods. Compliance to a daily stretching program is crucial to avoid recurrence of this syndrome. Return to play is dependent on many factors (eg, severity of condition, how soon treatment was initiated, level of patient compliance to program).
See Surgical Intervention for the acute phase.
See Consultations for the acute phase.
See Other Treatment for the acute phase.
NSAIDs are mentioned not in this section because of the lack of any documented or studied effectiveness in piriformis syndrome. However, physicians may use any number of these agents, on the basis of their experience in managing LBP or neuropathies.
Naja et al investigated whether clonidine-bupivacaine nerve-stimulator guided injections are effective in achieving long-lasting pain relief in piriformis syndrome compared with bupivacaine guided injection.4 Significantly lower pain scores and analgesic consumption were observed with bupivacaine-clonidine compared with bupivacaine-saline. Additionally, pain at 6 months was significantly greater in the bupivacaine-saline group (78%) compared with the bupivacaine-clonidine group (8%).4
The drugs of choice for local injection in painful piriformis syndrome include the anesthetic agents lidocaine and/or bupivacaine. Both are in the family of amide anesthetics. Use is based on the desired duration of action. Doses, as described below, are intramuscularly (IM) administered by identifying the trigger point. Be sure to aspirate first to avoid injecting the medication into a blood vessel.
Amide anesthetic that stabilizes neuronal membrane by inhibiting ionic fluxes. Absorbed completely with parenteral administration. Metabolized by the liver. Unchanged metabolites are excreted by the kidneys. Half-life is typically 1.5-2 h. Lidocaine crosses blood-brain and placental barriers by passive diffusion. Indicated for regional and local anesthesia.
<7 mg/kg IM; should not exceed 4.5 mg/kg when used with epinephrine
Regional anesthesia: typically <100 mg IM
<3 years: Not established
>3 years: <3 mg/kg IM; typically, <50 mg IM
Coadministration with cimetidine or beta-blockers increases toxicity; coadministration with procainamide and tocainide may result in additive cardiodepressant action; may increase the effects of succinylcholine
Documented hypersensitivity to amide-type local anesthetics; avoid in Adams-Stokes and Wolf-Parkinson-White syndromes; avoid in severe sinoatrial, AV, or intraventricular block if artificial pacemaker not in place
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Oxygen and resuscitative equipment should be available for immediate use; carefully administer solutions containing epinephrine in areas of end arteries (eg, digits, genitalia, nose); perform cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring; caution in patients with liver disease and impaired cardiovascular function; can trigger familial malignant hyperthermia; IM use may increase in creatinine phosphokinase levels (CPK) (can compromise use of CPK as sole marker for myocardial infarction)
Amide anesthetic that blocks conduction of nerve impulses by inhibiting ionic fluxes. Absorbed completely with parenteral administration and metabolized by the liver. Unchanged metabolites are excreted by the kidneys. Half-life is typically 3-4 h and peak levels are achieved in 30-40 min. Bupivacaine crosses blood-brain and placental barriers by passive diffusion. Indicated for regional and local anesthesia.
<400 mg IM
Regional anesthesia: <100 mg IM
<12 years: Not established
>12 years: <50 mg IM
Bupivacaine solutions containing epinephrine may interact with MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants and cause severe, prolonged hypertension; phenothiazines and butyrophenones may reduce the effect of epinephrine solutions; vasopressor drugs and ergot oxytocic drugs may cause persistent hypertension or cerebral vascular accidents when used with lidocaine.
Documented hypersensitivity; septicemia; spinal deformities; severe hypertension; existing neurologic disease
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Oxygen and resuscitative equipment should be available for immediate use; in solutions containing epinephrine, carefully administer in areas of end arteries (eg, digits, genitalia, nose); perform cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring; caution in patients with liver disease and impaired cardiovascular function; can trigger familial malignant hyperthermia; IM use may increase CPK levels (can compromise use of CPK as sole marker for myocardial infarction)
Athletes with piriformis syndrome may return to play when they demonstrate full pain-free range of motion and strength of the affected side and can perform their sport-specific activities without discomfort. Patients must adhere to the aforementioned stretching exercises and perform a liberal warm-up before the activity. The duration for return to play varies with each individual and the type of treatment rendered. The longer an athlete ignores the problem before seeking treatment, the longer his or her rehabilitation will take.
Recurrence of pain in the piriformis muscle can be prevented by continuing the stretching exercises and by avoiding risk factors.
Most patients with piriformis syndrome progress well after a local trigger-point injection. Recurrences are uncommon after 6 weeks of therapy. After surgery, patients treated with piriformis release return to their activities in an average of 2-3 months.
Patients with piriformis syndrome should modify their activity habits. For example, patients are recommended to adhere to the following: avoid prolonged sitting, perform the suggested stretching exercises 2 or 3 times a day and before participating in a sports activity, and avoid direct trauma to the gluteal region.
Patient education should be an ongoing process throughout the course of rehabilitation. Physical therapists and occupational therapists are valuable members of the team for teaching the patient strategies used to recover from this syndrome and also to prevent recurrences. Patients should be informed of the importance of their routine compliance with an individualized home exercise program.
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[Best Evidence] Naja Z, Al-Tannir M, El-Rajab M, et al. The effectiveness of clonidine-bupivacaine repeated nerve stimulator-guided injection in piriformis syndrome. Clin J Pain. Mar-Apr 2009;25(3):199-205. [Medline].
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piriformis syndrome, hip pocket neuropathy, sciatic neuritis, wallet neuritis, lower back pain, low back pain, LBP, periarthritis of the anterior sacroiliac joint, piriformis muscle, piriformis hypertrophy, sciatic nerve entrapment, herniated nucleus pulposus, muscle spasm due to chronic or overuse injury, sciatica, Morton foot, spinal stenosis, nerve entrapment syndromes
Shishir Shah, DO, Consulting Staff, Comprehensive Woundcare, Banner Baywood Hospital
Shishir Shah, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, and American Osteopathic Association
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Thomas W Wang, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaiser-Permanente
Thomas W Wang, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians
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Joseph P Garry, MD, FACSM, FAAFP,, Director of Sports Medicine and Sports Medicine Fellowship, Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Exercise and Sport Science, Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Joseph P Garry, MD, FACSM, FAAFP, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and North American Primary Care Research Group
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Russell D White, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Truman Medical Center Lakewood
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Jon B Whitehurst, MD, Clinical Instructor of Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine; Partner and Executive Board Member, Rockford Orthopedic Associates; Orthopedic Chairman, Rockford Memorial Hospital
Jon B Whitehurst, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
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Sherwin SW Ho, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago
Sherwin SW Ho, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopy Association of North America
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