How to Ease Piriformis Syndrome Pain and Discomfort

Frequent spasms or cramps in your small, flat, and triangular buttock muscles can be linked to piriformis syndrome. The condition can affect your sciatic nerve causing pain and discomfort in your hip and buttock area. You can take several steps to ease this pain and discomfort, according to the Newton piriformis syndrome specialists at Performance Pain and Sports Medicine. The medical experts can design a comprehensive care plan depending on your unique needs to help you get relief. Additionally, here are several tips to help you improve your pain and discomfort.

Rest Your Body

Sometimes you can experience pain and discomfort from piriformis syndrome as a result of strenuous activities like exercises. In such cases, you will need to rest your aching muscles to find some relief. Generally, take some time off from your strenuous activity and rest to minimize the damage to your muscles and allow recovery. Although this advice can be challenging to you if you exercise daily or have a physical job, it would be best to consult your doctor on other ways to achieve rest.

Use Heat

Piriformis syndrome pain and discomfort can be effectively eased through heat therapy. Therefore, please consult your doctor to understand how to do it correctly. Generally, apply a heating pad on the affected area or take a warm bath focusing on the affected area. When using the heating pad, you might want to wrap the pad with a dry towel to avoid issues such as burning. Also, ensure you do not apply the heat for a long time but do it at fifteen-minute intervals.

Stretch the Muscles

Some piriformis syndrome stretches have been found effective in relieving some degree of pain and discomfort. But you will have to commit to doing the stretches three times a day for best results. Generally, lie on the floor with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Pull the knee towards your chest placing one foot on the other knee, and maintain it to the outside of your shoulder. Alternate to the other knee. This will help your stretch target your piriformis muscle and can help you get some pain relief.

Ice It

This can be an effective way to relieve some pain from the piriformis muscles, mainly if you apply the ice after stretching. Generally, wrap the ice in a thin cloth such as a towel and place it on your most painful area. You can leave the ice pack in the area for about 15-20 minutes and wait for about two hours to reapply.

Change Your Position

If you are suffering from piriformis syndrome, your pain can be agitated by specific postures. Therefore, you will have to change and avoid any position you realize is making your pain more severe. Additionally, do whatever it takes to be comfortable, whether you are standing or sitting. You can use a cane or other support while standing, and you can sit on a cushion or a comfortable chair.

Get a Diagnosis

It is essential to get a diagnosis from the medical experts as your condition might be requiring more advanced treatment. It will also help your doctor evaluate your symptoms and approve some of the practices before you try them out, which is suitable for your safety.

Reach out to Performance Pain and Sports Medicine to learn more about how you can manage your pain and discomfort from piriformis syndrome. It would be good to seek expert advice before you try anything.