Out and About -July-issue-

30 | OUT AND ABOUT COSTA BLANCA SIMON RATCLIFFE
PIRIFORMIS
SYNDROME
Piriformis syndrome is
a condition in which a
muscle we have called the
piriformis, causes pain in the
buttock area and on occasions
can even irritate or compress the
sciatic nerve.
We have two piriformis
muscles, these link the
sacrum to the hip
on either side.
It is located
underneath the
gluteus muscle
and the sciatic
nerve runs
underneath
the muscle
in most cases
(although in
some people
the nerve runs
through the
muscle itself).
So what happens
to the muscle in
order for it to cause
problems?
The piriformis muscle can become
tight or can spasm, causing pain in the
buttock area and/or affecting the sciatic
nerve.
• This can happen due to an overuse of
the muscle (sporting injuries)
• Also overstretching of the muscle can
cause a spasm reaction.
• As a protective measure to prevent
lower back and hip movement because
of an injury (herniated disc, locked
sacroiliac joint,etc)
• Sitting down incorrectly: crossing
legs, sitting with wallet in back
pocket…
• Leg length or foot
issues that affect our
leg rotation.
What are the
symptoms?
• Buttock
pain. Can be
worse sitting,
walking/
running
(especially
uphill), may
improve
laying down.
•
Referred pain to
lower back and
down back of the
thigh.
• Sciatica symptoms if
nerve is irritated which include
pain and/or numbness that can travel
all the way down to the foot.
• On occasions can even cause coxis
pain because of its insertions on the
sacrum.
Simon Ratcliffe is a licensed Physiotherapist and Certified Osteopath C.O. for the
Family Medical Centre in Albir. Contact Simon on 966 865 072 for an appointment.