Prevalence of Piriformis Syndrome and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Karachi-Across Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of women, and usually emanates from postural and biomechanical changes. Poor sitting posture and abnormal biomechanics may cause piriformis tightness, which can further lead to piriformis syndrome and low back pain. Piriformis is a triangular muscle in the gluteal region whose function involves hip motion and stability. If compressed, the sciatic nerve brings pain, numbness, and tingling from the low back down to the leg. The hormonal and postural adjustments, including loosening of ligaments, muscle imbalances, and accentuated lumbar lordosis, will produce changes in gait and stress in hip and low back muscles during pregnancy. These changes predispose pregnant women-particularly those in the third trimester-to piriformis tightness and associated low back pain. Objective: To determine the prevalence of piriformis syndrome and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in Karachi. Methodology: A cross-sectional study is conducted involving pregnant women to determine the prevalence of Piriformis Syndrome (PS) and its associated risk factors. Participants was selected from Jinnah Hospital, Indus Hospital and Shah Latif Clinic at Karachi. The FAIR Test was used to assess the presence of Piriformis Syndrome, while the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to evaluate physical activity levels and related risk factors.