Why Piriformis syndrome is a pain in the bum!

Piriformis syndrome is a pain in the bum!

Literally.

You may have heard of ‘piriformis syndrome’, particularly if you’ve been frequent in sport, exercise and everything that comes with it. 

The piriformis muscle itself is local to the glute region, sitting just behind the gluteus maximus. Being a small, quite deep muscle in this area can be problematic, this is due to the fact that most common causes of PS are related to issues are initially nothing to do with the piriformis itself. 

Impact to it or jarring, twisting or overstretching of the lumbo-pelvic area (lower back/ glute/hip area) for one, as this can cause inflammation and/or muscle spasms in surrounding muscles. As well as a strain to any of these structures, irritation of the sacroiliac joint, overworking of, or weakness in the surrounding musculature can all cause piriformis syndrome. 

The classic symptoms you’re likely to experience if you are suffering from PS are:

Buttock pain – A bruised sensation, feeling sore when you sit down and/or when you stand after long periods of sitting down.

Muscle spasms – Short to moderate periods of pain, stiffness and restricted rotational movement (or all movements) around the hip and lower back.

Sciatic pain – These symptoms or any injury to the Piriformis muscle can cause irritation to the nearby Sciatic nerve, resulting in neural affects, such as pain, numbness and/or tingling down the back of the leg and sometimes into the foot.

Treatment:

Some soft tissue work can be useful, along with rest from exercise and reduced stretching (not something we often say!). Generally TLC and strengthening work usually help.

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