This is a condition often overlooked in patients suffering from “sciatica” type of pain that are unresponsive to conventional
treatment. The piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the
buttocks and referring pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. This referred pain, called "sciatica", often goes down the
back of the thigh and/or into the lower leg. Patients generally complain of pain deep in the buttocks, which is made worse by
sitting, climbing stairs, or performing squats.
The mainstay of treatment for this condition is physical therapy. Diagnostic piriformis blocks can be used to confirm the
diagnosis and direct treatment plan. In selected patient Botox injection in the piriformis muscle can result in more prolonged
relief. This in turn can allow the patient to get involved in more aggressive physical therapy.
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