Discomfort from too much sitting? Inactive glutes? Pain in the buttock or down the back of the leg? Even though it\u2019s small, the piriformis muscle plays an important role in how the body moves. When this muscle becomes tight or irritated, it can lead to a condition known as piriformis syndrome.<\/p>\n
In this guide, you\u2019ll learn what the piriformis muscle does, what piriformis syndrome is, and which stretches and exercises may help relieve the discomfort.<\/p>\n
What Is the Piriformis Muscle?
\nThe piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock. It:<\/p>\n
Starts on the front surface of the sacrum (base of the spine)<\/p>\n
Passes through the greater sciatic foramen<\/p>\n
Attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur (upper thigh bone)<\/p>\n
Its main functions include:<\/p>\n
External rotation of the hip<\/p>\n
Hip abduction<\/p>\n
Hip extension<\/p>\n
Although small, the piriformis helps stabilize the hip during movement.<\/p>\n
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?<\/p>\n
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
\nPiriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle becomes tight, inflamed, or spasms, placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.<\/p>\n
Because the sciatic nerve runs underneath\u2014or sometimes through\u2014the piriformis muscle, irritation of the muscle can compress the nerve.<\/p>\n
This compression can cause symptoms similar to sciatica, including pain that travels from the buttock down the back of the leg.<\/p>\n
Signs and Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome
\nCommon symptoms include:<\/p>\n
Pain in the buttock<\/p>\n
Pain down the back of the thigh<\/p>\n
Pain when sitting<\/p>\n
Pain when climbing stairs or walking uphill<\/p>\n
Reduced range of motion in the hip<\/p>\n
Tenderness in the piriformis area<\/p>\n
Because these symptoms resemble other spinal or nerve conditions, diagnosis can sometimes be difficult.<\/p>\n
Why Piriformis Problems Develop<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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