Prevalence of Piriformis Syndrome among Tailoring Professionals and its Association with Prolong Sitting

Abstract

Background: Piriformis syndrome (PS) is a neuromuscular condition involving compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, resulting in buttock pain, radiating leg discomfort, and functional limitations. Occupational factors such as prolonged sitting and poor ergonomics have been implicated as significant contributors. Tailoring professionals, due to their extended seated work postures and repetitive lower limb movements, may be at elevated risk, yet this occupational group remains understudied. Objective: To determine the prevalence of PS among tailoring professionals and examine its association with prolonged continuous sitting duration. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study recruited 250 tailoring professionals aged 20–60 years, working at least six hours daily, from various tailoring environments in Lahore, Pakistan. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, occupational history, sitting duration, and pain symptoms, combined with clinical assessment using the FAIR (Flexion, Adduction, Internal Rotation) test for PS diagnosis. Pain severity was evaluated via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Associations were analyzed using Chi-square tests, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals reported where appropriate. Results: PS prevalence, indicated by a positive FAIR test, was 26.4% (n=66). Longer continuous sitting was significantly associated with PS (p=0.001), and tailors with >10 years of experience and sitting >4 hours had a mean VAS score of 7.3 (95% CI: 6.2–8.4), surpassing the severe pain threshold. No significant associations were observed for sex, BMI, or chair type. Conclusion: PS is prevalent among tailoring professionals and strongly associated with prolonged sitting, particularly in those with extensive occupational exposure. Ergonomic interventions targeting sitting duration may mitigate this occupational health burden.