Buttock pain with sciatica-like symptoms, but the problem is in the buttock rather than the spine.
What it is
The sciatic nerve passes under (and in some people through) the piriformis muscle deep in the buttock. When that muscle is tight or inflamed it can compress the nerve.
It is frequently mistaken for a disc-related sciatica, and treated with spinal injections that were never going to work.
How it usually presents
- Deep buttock pain, worse sitting on a hard surface.
- Pain down the back of the thigh, often stopping above the knee.
- Tenderness deep in the buttock.
- Worse after driving or prolonged sitting.
How we treat it
- Examination that distinguishes it from true radicular sciatica.
- Image-guided piriformis injection.
- Physical therapy targeting the deep hip rotators.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
How is this different from sciatica?
Sciatica from a disc usually produces pain past the knee and follows a specific nerve-root map. Piriformis pain is centred in the buttock and rarely reaches the foot.
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