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What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is an uncommon neuromuscular disorder in which the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. This causes pain and numbness in the lower body.The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle located in the buttocks near the top of the hip joint. This muscle is important in lower body movement. Sciatic nerve is the nerve that goes from your spinal cord to your buttocks and down the back of each leg.
Patients often complain of pain deep within the hip and buttocks, and for this reason, piriformis syndrome has also been referred to as "Deep Buttock" syndrome.
Recovery Time
Recovery time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild injury may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may take 6 weeks or longer to recover. You need to stop doing the activities that cause pain until your muscle has healed. If you continue doing activities that cause pain, your symptoms will return and it will take longer to recover.
Diagnosis
A thorough physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose piriformis syndrome. Occasionally, further investigations such as an MRI scan or Ultrasound may be required, to assist diagnosis.