Prevalence of Piriformis Syndrome in Bankers And Its Risk Factors in Bankers Among City Sialkot

Abstract

Background: Piriformis syndrome is an occupationally relevant neuromuscular cause of buttock pain with possible sciatic-type radiation, frequently reported in sedentary workers and potentially influenced by prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, and excess body weight. Objective: To determine the prevalence of piriformis syndrome and its associated occupational and lifestyle risk factors among bankers in Sialkot, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted across multiple banks in Sialkot among bankers aged 25–55 years who performed desk-based work (≥6 hours/day or ~30 hours/week) and reported piriformis-compatible symptoms. Participants with pregnancy, prior hip/pelvic/lumbosacral trauma or surgery, or known spinal/neurological disorders were excluded. Data were collected using a structured 28-item questionnaire and standardized provocative testing (FAIR test and Pace sign). Piriformis syndrome was operationally defined as compatible symptoms with positive findings on both provocative tests. Associations were evaluated using chi-square testing and multivariable logistic regression (SPSS v26). Results: Among 377 bankers (mean age 34.06±7.92 years; mean BMI 24.50±4.49 kg/m²), piriformis syndrome prevalence was 43.8% (165/377; 95% CI 38.7–48.9). Prolonged sitting >8 hours/day (adjusted OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.39–3.42; p=0.001), rare breaks from sitting (aOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.66–4.17; p<0.001), overweight/obesity (a OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.26–3.07; p=0.003), and poor sitting posture (aOR 2.21; 95% CI 1.42–3.43; p<0.001) were independently associated with piriformis syndrome, while low physical activity was not significant after adjustment (p=0.061). Conclusion: Piriformis syndrome was highly prevalent among symptomatic bankers in Sialkot and was independently associated with prolonged sitting, infrequent breaks, elevated BMI, and poor sitting posture, supporting targeted ergonomic and movement-based workplace prevention.