Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the piriformis muscle (in the hip/gluteal region near the lower back) and the sciatic nerve. A tight piriformis muscle can compress or irritate
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the piriformis muscle (in the hip/gluteal region near the lower back) and the sciatic nerve. A tight piriformis muscle can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain in the lower back and hips as well as pain, tingling, and numbness from the buttocks down to the lower leg. When the symptoms are felt along the path that the sciatic nerve runs, they are commonly known as sciatica. Symptoms can be aggravated by sitting, walking, running, climbing stairs, and other physical activities.
Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome
There are several treatments for piriformis syndrome. Treatment usually begins with avoiding activities or positions that trigger the pain and icing and heat the sore muscle. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to reduce the nerve compression. If physical therapy and rest does not work, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce pain. Other options are iontophoresis, which is when a mild electrical current is placed into the muscle, and botulinum toxin injections to loosen the muscle. If all else fails, surgery may be used to separate the piriformis muscle from the sciatic nerve.
The symptoms of piriformis syndrome generally are alleviated with treatment. However, nerve pain at times can be difficult to treat. If you have pain that is so severe that you cannot perform your job, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Two Ways to Be Found Disabled
For Social Security to find you disabled, and thus eligible for disability benefits, you must be able to show that either that your medical condition matches the requirements of an official disability listing in the Social Security “blue book” or that you cannot perform any job because of the restrictions caused by your condition.
Matching a Disability Listing
For piriformis syndrome, there is no specific disability listing in the Social Security “blue book.” It would be difficult to have your condition be considered equivalent to a disability listing because the main impairment from piriformis syndrome is pain. While Social Security will consider pain in determining whether or not you can work, the disability listings require the existence of physical impairments, such as a shortening of the joint muscles or deformities. Without a physical impairment, you will not be able to meet or equal a listing.
Unable to Work Due to Medical Restrictions
You can also qualify for disability benefits by showing that you are unable to work due to medical restrictions. In determining if you can work, Social Security will have you complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). The RFC assesses many different aspects of physical and mental abilities that are needed to be successful at a job. For those with piriformis syndrome, physical limitations will have the greatest impact of your ability to work, but pain can affect your mental abilities as well.
Abilities and Restrictions
Social Security will look at two different categories of physical abilities when considering if you can do your previous work. The agency will look at exertional activities required for work, including the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items, as well as standing, walking, and sitting. Social Security will also look at nonexertional activities, including the ability to maneuver your body to crouch, stoop, or balance and to use your arms and hands to complete tasks.
For those with piriformis syndrome, pain may prevent you from being able to complete many exertional tasks; walking and standing for long periods of time will probably be the most affected by a tight piriformis. And depending on your condition, your doctor may limit you to lifting no more than 20-30 pounds, since straining your back muscles can aggravate the piriformis muscle. Depending on the level of your pa