Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome results from compression of the sciatic nerve as it passes underneath a muscle in your buttock called the piriformis. Symptoms include pain, numbness, or tingling that begins in your buttock and radiates along the course of your sciatic nerve toward your foot (i.e., sciatica). You may notice that your symptoms increase with prolonged sitting or standing and when you walk, run, climb stairs, ride in a car, sit cross-legged, or get up from a chair.  

Piriformis syndrome may begin suddenly as a result of an injury, like a strain or fall onto the buttocks, or may develop slowly from repeated irritation during long-distance walking, hill or stair climbing, or sitting on the edge of a hard surface or wallet.

Chiropractic treatment is extremely helpful for piriformis syndrome. You may need to temporarily limit activities that aggravate the piriformis muscle, including hill and stair climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, or downhill running. Avoid sitting on one foot or a thick wallet and take frequent breaks from prolonged standing, sitting, and car rides.