PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME CARE

Piriformis Syndrome Treatment in LA & Orange County

Specialized evaluation and treatment for buttock pain, sciatic nerve irritation, and symptoms caused by compression around the piriformis muscle.

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A Personalized Approach to Piriformis Syndrome

Numbness, tingling, or a nagging ache deep in the buttocks often points to piriformis syndrome. The sciatic nerve gets squeezed by the piriformis muscle, and pain radiates down the leg.

Dr. Brett Shore provides treatment for patients with piriformis syndrome throughout Orange County and Los Angeles.

What Is Piriformis Syndrome?

The piriformis is a small muscle deep behind your hip. The sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body, runs right under it. In some people, the nerve passes straight through the muscle.

When the muscle tightens or swells, it presses on the nerve. You’ll often feel buttock pain, along with tingling, numbness, or a burning feeling down the leg.

The condition is common in runners, cyclists, desk workers, and recreational athletes throughout Orange County and Los Angeles.

When to Seek Treatment for Piriformis Syndrome

Every consultation starts with a hands-on exam, reviews your imaging, and opens a full conversation about treatment options. If you feel these symptoms, consult with a doctor right away:

Buttock pain that has lasted more than a few weeks

Pain, tingling, or numbness running down the back of your leg

Long drives or desk hours worsen the discomfort

Stairs, hills, or running that aggravate the ache

A dull buttock ache that returns after every workout

Back or hip treatments that haven’t calmed the symptoms

How Dr. Shore Treats
Piriformis Syndrome

Every case requires a different treatment plan. Dr. Shore lays out your options once the exam and scan results are out.

Non-Surgical Options

Most patients feel better without ever needing surgery. First-line care usually involves:

Short pauses from the moves that aggravate the muscle
Guided physical therapy for piriformis stretches and glute work
Anti-inflammatory pills for short-term flare management
Muscle relaxants, when the piriformis won’t loosen its grip
Corticosteroid or anesthetic injections for deep-seated pain

A thoughtful rehab program addresses tight fibers, sharpens hip rotation, and trims the chance of another flare. Most patients head back to their usual routine without ever entering an operating room.

Surgical Piriformis Release

Surgery stays off the table for most patients. Dr. Shore only raises the option after months of rehab and injections haven’t brought lasting comfort.

The procedure loosens the piriformis muscle and relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve. Most patients return home the same afternoon and start walking through guided physical therapy.

Return to full activity often happens within three to four months, though timelines vary.

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome isn’t limited to athletes. Commuters, golfers, and active adults in Los Angeles and Orange County often deal with it too. Several factors may irritate or tighten the piriformis muscle:

A fall or direct blow to the hip

Long hours at a desk or behind the wheel

Heavy running or cycling without enough cross-training

Skipped stretching that leaves the hip tight

Weak glutes that leave the piriformis overworked

A leg-length difference that changes hip mechanics

COMPREHENSIVE HIP EXPERTISE

A Careful Approach to Buttock and
Sciatic-Type Pain

Dr. Brett Shore is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in comprehensive hip care and conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, and nerves surrounding the hip.

Because symptoms of piriformis syndrome can resemble other hip or spine conditions, accurate diagnosis is an important part of treatment. Dr. Shore evaluates each patient’s symptoms, movement, imaging, and clinical findings to identify the most likely source of pain before recommending care.

Treatment is individualized around the diagnosis, activity level, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Meet Dr. Shore

Distinguished Training in Orthopedic and Hip Surgery

Undergraduate Degree

Medical Degree

Orthopedic Residency

Sports Medicine Fellowship

INSIGHTS & EDUCATION

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