Piriformis Syndrome is a very common condition where the piriformis muscle, located deep to the gluteal muscles, becomes inflammed and puts pressure onto the sciatic nerve referring pain into the lower back, deep into the buttock or down the posterior of the leg on the affected side, giving sciatica.



The causes of piriformis syndrome are numerous and we will look at these in more depth on an individual basis. Similarly, the treatments of piriformis syndrome are numerous and targetted at the precise cause. Massage and osteopathy are two approaches that are very effective along with stretches and mobilisation exercises that can be carried out at home.



Coming next: where is the piriformis muscle?