Piriformis syndrome

Overview

The piriformis muscle is deep in the buttock, and the sciatic nerve runs under or through it.

When the muscle is tight or irritated, it can press on the nerve, causing buttock pain that runs down the leg.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Buttock pain down the leg

Less common

• Pain worse climbing stairs
• Numbness in the buttock

Look up a symptom: Pain shooting from the back or buttock down the leg

When to get medical care

Causes

Tight muscle.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Runners

Possible complications

• Sciatica

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Treatment

Stretch.

Self-care

• Piriformis stretches
• Avoid long sitting
• Avoid sitting on a wallet
• Take breaks from long sitting

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stretch after running

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Runners and people who sit long hours: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Improves.

Most improve in weeks with stretching.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could this be a herniated disc instead?
• Would physical therapy help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Piriformis syndrome