Condition
Piriformis syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to piriformis syndrome — a buttock-based cause of sciatica-like pain.
Quick answer
Piriformis syndrome is buttock pain, sometimes with sciatica-like leg symptoms, related to the piriformis muscle irritating the sciatic nerve. Most cases improve with stretching, strengthening and manual therapy.
Key facts
- The piriformis is a deep buttock muscle near the sciatic nerve.
- It can cause sciatica-like symptoms without a spinal cause.
- Most cases respond to conservative care.
What is piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is buttock pain and sciatica-like symptoms thought to arise when the piriformis muscle irritates the nearby sciatic nerve.
It is a cause of leg pain that comes from the buttock rather than the spine. Because it can mimic spinal sciatica, careful assessment is important to identify the true source.
What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome?
Typical symptoms are deep buttock pain, sometimes radiating down the leg, and pain with prolonged sitting.
- Deep aching pain in the buttock
- Pain or tingling that can radiate down the leg
- Pain with prolonged sitting or climbing stairs
- Tenderness deep in the buttock
How is piriformis syndrome treated?
Piriformis syndrome is treated with stretching, hip and glute strengthening, and manual therapy.
Care focuses on reducing tension around the muscle and improving hip strength and control. Distinguishing it from spinal sciatica ensures the right treatment.
At Postura Wellness, care for piriformis syndrome is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get emergency medical attention for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or sudden severe weakness in a leg. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Get a clear plan for your piriformis syndrome
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Back Pain — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Know Your Back — North American Spine Society
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Sciatica — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Sciatica — NHS inform (Scotland)
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine