I have piriformis in on my left side, what can I do to fix this?

Question

My lower back and buttock, and all the way down to my ankle are extreamly hurt. I went to a instacare today, and the doctor recommended iontophresis, and massage. What do you think about physical therapy? What other treetments can I do myself to save money? This is the worst pain I have ever had, it's terrible. Thanks for your response, Ryan

Answer 1

I hope you do have a piriformis - 2 of them! The piriformis is a muscle deep in the buttock that externally rotates (and sometimes extends and abducts) the thigh at the hip. When you have pain related to a spasm or contracture of the piriformis muscle (usually compressing the sciatic nerve) - that is commonly called "piriformis syndrome."

I highly recommend you see the physical therapist. Any advice you get online will not be as good as a personal treatment session. If you cannot afford a series of PT sessions, you should be able to go for one or two sessions. The PT will evaluate your condition and tell you what muscles to stretch, what muscles to strengthen, and what activities you should or should not do.

There are many possible problems related to piriformis syndrome.

The following muscles may be tight and need to be stretched:
-piriformis muscles and other external rotators of the hip
-flexor muscles of the hip
-adductor muscles of the hip
-hamstrings

The following also may need to be addressed:
-lumbar spine or sacroiliac dysfunction
-improper gait pattern
-weak abductors muscles of the hip
-leg length difference
-foot pronation

For more information:
http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic106.htm
http://www.orthogate.com/patient-education/lumbar-spine/piriformis-syndrome.html
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/piriformis/pir04.html

Answer 2

Realove33 is right...your piriformis is a muscle. We must find out why you are having pain there. The types of treatments that your doctor recommended are normally done by a physical therapist. The physical therapist will usually have other suggestions as well...specific stretching or stengthening exercises...this will actually help correct the problem as opposed to covering it up with massage and iontophoresis.

Answer 3

piriformis syndrome left butt