Piriformis Syndrome

DEFINITION: Entrapment of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle in the buttock. BENEFICIAL POSES: Matsyendrasana, Parivrtta Trikonasana, Parivrtta Parsvakonasana. EXPLANATION: These poses stretch the piriformis muscle at various angles, which both increases its length, thereby reducing the compression on the sciatic nerve that passes just beneath it, but also reducing spasm (involuntary tightening) in the muscle. Done mindfully, these poses also increase a person’s ability to control the muscle. The first REFERENCE: Fishman LM, Wilkins AN, Rosner B.Electrophysiologically identified piriformis syndrome is successfully treated with incobotulinum toxin a and physical therapy. Muscle Nerve. 2017 Aug;56(2):258-263. doi: 10.1002/mus.25504. Epub 2017 Apr 2. For fuller description of the syndrome and its treatment, see “Healing Yoga,” L.M. Fishman, W.W.Norton.