First, let's take a look at the distribution and function of the piriformis muscle. The piriformis is a small, flat, band-shaped mauscle located deep in the buttocks (behind the gluteus maximus).

The piriformis muscle is very important in lower extremity movements, stabilizing the hip joint, enabling the thighs to raise and turn outwards, rotate the hips, etc. It is involved in most movements of the hips and legs.

Piriformis syndrome is a rare neuromuscular disorder caused when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a thick, long nerve that runs along the piriformis muscle towards the back of the leg and eventually bifurcates into the nerve in the foot.

So once there is a problem with the piriformis muscle (spasm, injury, etc.), it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause various symptoms.

What is the common causes of piriformis syndrome?

Damage to the piriformis due to external trauma to the buttocks (twisting, straddling, squatting with heavy loads on the shoulders, walking with weights, etc.) or improper exercise;

When the peripheral muscles are weak and cannot work properly, the piriformis compensates, shortening and severely contracting;

Muscle tension, over-contraction, or cramping from other causes, such as a lack of warm-up and stretching before and after exercise.

1. hip pain and weakness

2. Pain and numbness in the thighs, calves, and feet can also occur when symptoms are severe

3. Pain when going up and down stairs or leaning

4. Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting, walking, or running

5. Limited range of motion in the hip joint

Clinicians may generally recommend medications, muscle relaxants, or injections of anesthetics for piriformis relief. But these are all methods of treating the symptoms but not the root cause. Even if the nerve perception is forced to be cut off and the muscles are forced to relax, it does not fundamentally solve the problem.

I will share with you some alternative medicines that can effectively relieve the pain caused by the piriformis muscle:

1. Stop/reduce the amount of exercise: 

When the pain occurs, try to stop and rest until the pain disappears. Especially running, cycling, rowing, etc.

2. Ice compress: 

Ice compress can be applied urgently when the pain first appears. If the pain disappears, an ice compress can be applied after a moderate amount of exercise to prevent a recurrence.

3. Pressure Massage: 

Massaging deep tissue can effectively increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasms, and speed up the healing of damaged piriformis.

4. Piriformis stretching: 

Thorough stretching of the piriformis can relieve the tension of the piriformis and reduce the occurrence of contraction spasms.