Piriformis Syndrome
Could This Be Causing Your Buttock & Leg Pain?
Pain travelling from the buttock into the back of the leg is often associated with sciatica—but the source isn't always the lower back.
The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock, running from the sacrum to the top of the thigh bone. The sciatic nerve passes very close to it, and in some people the nerve can be irritated or compressed around the piriformis, producing sciatic-type symptoms.
How common is it?
Piriformis syndrome is considered an uncommon but important cause of buttock and leg pain, and estimates vary considerably because there isn't one universally accepted diagnostic test or definition. Some reviews estimate it may account for around 5–6% of cases of low-back, buttock and leg pain, while higher figures have been reported in people with chronic low-back pain.
When the piriformis muscle becomes tight, irritated or overloaded, it can contribute to pain in the buttock and sometimes symptoms that travel down the leg.
The tricky part? Piriformis syndrome can feel very similar to sciatica caused by the lower back. A thorough history, physical examination and specific orthopaedic tests can help distinguish between possible causes.
Everyday Causes You Might Not Expect
You don’t have to be an athlete to develop piriformis-related pain.
The piriformis muscle plays an important role in hip movement and stability.
Sport and exercise can place extra demands on the piriformis, particularly when there is repeated hip movement or loading.
Preventing Piriformis Pain & Reducing the Risk of It Returning
There isn't always one single cause of piriformis pain, so prevention is about reducing the factors that can overload or irritate the muscle.
And if it keeps coming back?
Recurring symptoms are worth investigating rather than simply stretching the piriformis every time it hurts. Buttock pain and pain down the leg can have several different causes, so identifying what is contributing to your symptoms is important.
Piriformis Pain or Sciatica?
And When Should You Get It Assessed?
Pain in the buttock that travels down the leg can be confusing. You may assume it's your piriformis, but similar symptoms can come from irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back or from other structures around the hip and pelvis.
*Seek urgent medical attention* if you develop significant or worsening weakness, numbness around the groin/saddle area, or problems controlling your bladder or bowel.
Here at Aston Manor Chiropractors we can assess your movement, hips, pelvis and lower back to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an appropriate management plan.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or individual assessment.
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