Piriformis Syndrome
What is piriformis syndrome?
The piriformis is a small muscle that runs horizontally across the buttock, connecting the sacrum (base of the spine) to the femur (thigh bone). A large nerve called the sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle and travels down the back of the leg. When the piriformis puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the hip, buttock, hamstring, or even all the way down the leg. This is referred to as Piriformis Syndrome.
Common Symptoms
- Pain in the buttock
- Pain that travels down the leg
- Pain with activity or prolonged sitting
Treatment Strategies
Healthcare professionals will use therapeutic techniques to help relax the piriformis muscle and decrease the pressure on the sciatic nerve. More importantly, clinicians will seek to understand the cause of the piriformis tension in the first place and use strategies to prevent the problem from recurring. Book a physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy appointment with one of our skilled clinicians to treat piriformis syndrome pain.
Some of the treatment techniques that may be beneficial include: