Prevalence of Piriformis Syndrome in Chronic Low Back Pain Clinical Diagnosis by Modified FAIR Test in Lahore, Pakistan

Objective: The goal of this research was to determine the prevalence of Piriformis syndrome in patients with chronic low back pain who were diagnosed clinically using a modified version of the FAIR test. Pain in the buttocks, with or without involvement of the sciatic nerve, is the hallmark symptom of piriformis syndrome. Due to its appearance being similar to other spine disorders, this illness is commonly missed in clinical practice. Lack of a single, highly specific test for piriformis syndrome, as well as the lack of consistent objective results, presents a significant challenge for clinical diagnosis. Methodology: This cross-sectional research included 224 individuals with chronic LOW BACK PAIN and gluteal area pain of varying aetiologies who had previously been seen at various "health care" facilities in Lahore and had received clearance from the university. Result: Out of a total of 224, 53 (or 23.7%) were found to have Piriformis syndrome, whereas 171 (or 76.3%) were found to be syndrome-free. Seventeen (7.59%) of those diagnosed with Piriformis syndrome also had sciatica. Conclusion: The results suggest that Piriformis syndrome is a common contributor to low back pain. The results of this research suggest that Piriformis syndrome is a significant risk factor for triggering low back pain. In cases of persistent buttock or low back discomfort, piriformis syndrome should always be considered. Clinical diagnosis of piriformis syndrome may be confirmed by using a modified FAIR test in conjunction with an injection into the piriformis muscle.