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Piriformis Syndrome affects about 200,000 per year in the United States. The condition is directly related to the piriformis muscle, which is a flat, delta-shaped, band-like muscle in your gluteus maximus or buttock. It is located near the upper part of the hip joint. The muscle provides hip joint stability. It moves the thigh, allow us to walk, run, maintain balance and shift weight from side to side. The sciatic nerve is located adjacent to the piriformis muscle and can be compressed or irritated by the flat muscle. The condition is sometimes called Deep Gluteal Syndrome, False Sciatica or Back Pocket Sciatica named after office-workers who keep their wallets in their back pocket. With time the wallet can impinge the sciatic nerve or cause the piriformis muscle to irritate the nerve. Piriformis Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as a herniated or bulging disc.
Piriformis Syndrome is commonly associated with office workers but can often occur in athletes who exercise their thigh muscles intensely, especially during pre-season conditioning.
- A persistent, ache or muscle spasms in the rear
- Pain when sitting or lying longer than 15 to 20 minutes
- Sciatica-like pain along the thigh, calf and down to the foot
- Pain improves with walking
- Pain when rising from a sitting position
- Difficulty walking
- Numbness in foot and/or foot drop
- Leg Length
- Discrepancy
- Headache and neck pain
- Painful bowel movements
- For women, pain during intercourse
The long term success of Dr. Greenberg’s patients is attributed to a specialized approach of the examination process. Deemed “The Greenberg Method,” this strategy not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. For example, a patient who comes in with a lower back problem explains that past treatment in the area has not brought any relief. However, after an examination of the back along with the pelvis, hips, knees, and feet via The Greenberg Method, Dr. Greenberg discovers that the pain is rooted in a pelvic tilt. While an isolated joint treatment ignores physiology and the evaluation of movement, The Greenberg Method’s full-body examination produces a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. In return, the patient experiences a greater reduction in pain and improvement in function, which helps them get back on their feet to resume their daily routines, pain free.
If you are frustrated with the recurring irritation and pain of your piriformis syndrome, consider a surgery-free treatment that goes to the root of your problem. The objective of Dr. Greenberg’s regenerative therapy is to destress the system, initiate regeneration, and promote kinetic equilibrium.
Dr. Greenberg’s team will perform The Greenberg Method, including a review of your most recent radiographs. We will carefully examine and palpate your ligaments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the kinetic integrity of the key systems along your spine, pelvis, knees and feet that can be affecting your piriformis. We will assess your gait and check for pelvic tilt to see if your musculoskeletal systems are balanced.
Based on the evaluation, Dr. Greenberg will determine if you are a candidate for The Greenberg Method. If so, he will treat your Piriformis Syndrome with the healing and synergistic cascade of Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Treatments.
A typical treatment course may call for several injections typically performed every 3 weeks, depending on the patient. Dr. Greenberg has had success with regenerative treatments of the piriformis tendon at its origin and insertion points. He will also treat the nearby sacral, sacrotuberous and sacrococcygeal ligaments. The treatments initiate your body’s healing processes to rebuild sinews, tendons and cartilage using the body’s own healing components to strengthen and renew the ligaments and reduce piriformis pain.
The Greenberg Method is an excellent choice for people who are looking for a non-invasive alternative to surgery that has lower infection risks, shorter recovery times and is opioid-free. We work with you holistically. We, renew you physically and try to raise your personal sense of wellness, so you become a healthier YOU with a back that feels great.
If you or a loved one is looking for a new strategy to treat chronic aches and pains, fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or call Dr. Greenberg’s office today at (833) 440-4325.
Piriformis Syndrome, NCBI StatPearls, Hicks, Varacallo