Piriformis Pain

Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot.

Evaluating Your Condition

WHAT CAUSES PIRIFORMIS PAIN?

In around fifteen percent of people, the sciatic nerve actually passes through the piriformis, which, according to some researchers, leaves these individuals more susceptible to piriformis syndrome. Nerve compression can be caused by spasm of the piriformis muscle.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PIRIFORMIS PAIN?

  • Pain in the buttock/piriformis region
  • Tenderness at a specific spot in the pelvis between the sacrum and the top of the femur
  • Worsening of buttock pain and sciatica-like pain with prolonged sitting
  • Aggravation or alteration of the pain when the hip and leg are positioned to put tension on the piriformis muscle

Common Treatments Available for Piriformis Pain