Piriformis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Stretches

Piriformis muscle syndrome occurs when a tight or overused piriformis muscle, which resides deep within the buttocks, irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the lower back, buttocks and thigh. The piriformis muscle aids in externally rotating the hip joint. Stretching may improve piriformis pain, but improper stretching can also cause piriformis muscle syndrome.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of piriformis muscle syndrome include lack of flexibility in the affected area, as well as numbness, tingling and weakness.

Causes

• Piriformis muscle syndrome may be caused by overuse from cycling or running, or may occur from overstretching the piriformis muscle.

Prevention

• Properly stretching the piriformis muscle before other physical activities can prevent piriformis syndrome. Staying active is also an important preventive measure because sedentary lifestyles create a greater risk for the syndrome.

Benefits

• Piriformis stretches can reduce pain in the leg and lower back, prevent future piriformis pain and improve mobility.

Types

• Many piriformis stretches are equivalent to yoga stretches. Specific yoga stretches for piriformis muscle syndrome include Revolved Triangle Pose (parivrtta trikonasana), Pigeon (eka pada rajakapotasana) and Baby Cradle.