Diagnosis

• Having your condition diagnosed is an essential first step in providing relief to your painful piriformis syndrome symptoms. Although there is no definitive way to diagnose the condition, symptoms may include sciatica (a radiating pain originating in the posterior thigh and lower leg) and a physical exam resulting in tenderness of the sciatic notch. A medical imaging technique called magnetic resonance neurography is also used to show irritation where the nerve passes beneath the piriformis muscle. This technique can also determine whether the patient suffers from a split piriformis muscle or a split sciatic nerve; this diagnosis is essential for the patient's treatment and home care. Finally, image-guided injections carried out in an Open MRI scanner may also assist in diagnosing the condition, since they enable the piriformis muscle to relax and test the muscle's reaction. Visiting a physician will ensure an accurate and reliable diagnosis.
  
  

Physical Therapy Treatments

• Receiving relief for symptoms caused by piriformis syndrome often begins with massage and stretching exercises. Strenuous activities, including bicycling and running, should also be avoided. Many physicians recommend physical therapy, generally involving massages, stretching techniques and positions that reduce strain on the piriformis and strengthen the core muscles, including the abdomen and back. Patients suffering from piriformis syndrome may also find comfort in applying ice and heat to the exterior of the muscle.
  
  

Holistic Treatments

• In addition, applying ice or heat to the affected muscle helps to reduce the onset of pain after completing a strenuous activity, while heat may help to warm the muscles and enhance flexibility. Wearing custom shoes will also help in preventing the injury from recurring. Gait correction will also help in reducing the use of the piriformis muscle while allowing the muscle to relax and heal.
  
  

Medical Treatments

• If a patient does not receive relief from these treatments, relief may require anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections, as these are considered to be the most effective treatment for severe cases of piriformis syndrome. In extremely severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Physicians may also prescribe the use of an ultrasound, which provides a deeper level of heat than heating packs can provide. In a 2005 study, scientists reported that minimal-access surgery have been widely successful in the treatment of piriformis syndrome.