What is Piriformis Syndrome?

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

Sitting for long periods on hard surfaces or on a wallet, repetitive activities such as running and cycling, weak hip muscles and a fall onto the buttock can make this muscle tight. When the muscle presses on the sciatic nerve, pain similar to a herniated disc appears.

Symptoms

• Dull, deep pain in one buttock
• Pain, numbness or tingling spreading down the back of the thigh
• Pain worsening with prolonged sitting, climbing stairs or crossing the legs
• Tenderness when pressing the middle of the buttock

Frequently Asked Questions

How is it distinguished from a herniated disc?

Because both can cause pain radiating down the leg, nerve compression originating in the lower back should be ruled out by examination and, if needed, a lumbar MRI. For piriformis syndrome, stretching, hip strengthening exercises, physiotherapy and changes to sitting habits are enough for most patients. An ultrasound-guided injection into the muscle can be used for persistent cases.