Piriformis syndrome

Located in the buttocks, the piriformis is a muscle that helps the hip to rotate. The piriformis runs horizontally above the sciatic nerve, which runs underneath.

If the piriformis muscle becomes tight it can place pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can result in acute pain in the leg. However, the pain caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve is difficult to distinguish from radiculopathy, a nerve pinching in the spine that can also be caused by sciatica.

With piriformis syndrome there will be no visible nerve pinching in any scans but upon physical examination it will become obvious that there is pain when the hip is moved.

Piriformis syndrome symptoms

  • Acute pain in the leg
  • Pain in the hip when moved

Piriformis syndrome treatment

  • Deep massage of the lower back, buttocks and legs
  • Gentle motioning of the hip
  • Injection of piriformis muscle to decrease spasm