Although low back pain is one of the most common pains, it can be confused by thinking that some pains are caused by the back. Noting that piriformis syndrome, which causes pain and numbness to spread to the waist and leg, can be misdiagnosed in this manner, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan explained that patient who consults a doctor with low back pain should always be evaluated in this respect.
It causes pain and numbness by compressing the sciatic nerve under the piriformis muscle, which is one of the supporting muscles that allows for hip movement. Furthermore, since the pain and numbness spread to the waist and leg, this pain is mostly misdiagnosed as a spinal disc herniation. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan indicated that this situation seriously affects the quality of life of the patient.

Explaining that this pain and numbness that occurs for various reasons is defined as priformis syndrome, Yeditepe University Hospitals Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan stated that the pain starting from the waist and hip area increases while walking or crossing legs.

Piriformis Syndrome is the Cause of About 17% of Patients Consulting a Doctor with Low Back Pain!

In the literature, 6% to 8% of patients with low back pain have piriformis syndrome. However, this rate has increased to 17% in recent years. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan underlined that the patient with low back pain should always be evaluated in this respect.  
Indicating an increase in this syndrome due to piriformis muscle contractions caused by factors such as prolonged immobility, particularly during the COVID-19 period, Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan also pointed out that piriformis syndrome occurs more frequently in runners, cyclists, and office workers. 

The Problem Can Become Chronic Over Time!

Dr. Prof. Dr. According to Asst. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan, problems that begin with acute contraction of the piriformis muscle may become chronic over time due to a lack of inactivity stretching exercises, causing pain and numbness even when lying down. Dr. Aykan continued her words as follows:
“Patients who have complaints of pain and numbness in the waist, hip, and leg should definitely consult a specialist. Patients with such complaints can get the correct diagnosis and treatment when a Physical Therapist examines them. There is a possibility of getting over complaints by medication treatment, physical therapy, or injection under ultrasound, depending on the patient's complaint period and examination."

Adaption to exercise is significant!

Stating that if there are no other accompanying waist and hip problems, people diagnosed with piriformis syndrome benefit from piriformis and hamstring group stretching exercises, Asst. Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan also gave the following information about the treatment approach:
“Piriformis stretching exercises with a foam roller can relieve symptoms. If there is not enough response with exercise, the specialist can eliminate the symptoms with ultrasound-guided piriformis muscle injection. Continual compliance with the exercise program recommended by the physical therapist following the injection is critical for disease treatment."

Do not sit for too long! 

Stating that the patient should pay attention to some points during and after treatment in Piriformis Syndrome, Yeditepe University Hospitals Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Prof. Dr. Sanem Aslıhan Aykan concluded her words as follows:
“They need to avoid it since crossing their legs can cause pain and numbness. Instead of sitting for a long time, stretching exercises can prevent such symptoms. Moreover, stretching exercises should not be neglected after doing sports activities."

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