Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttock that helps rotate the hip and keep the pelvis stable. The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs right under or sometimes through this muscle. When the piriformis muscle becomes tight, swollen or goes into spasm, it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain in the buttock and leg. This condition is called piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome often feels just like sciatica from a slipped disc, which is why it is commonly missed or treated as a back problem. It is more common in people who sit for long hours, runners, cyclists and those who have had a fall on the buttock. In Mumbai, long office hours and long commutes sitting in cars and trains are common triggers. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad first checks whether the leg pain is coming from the spine or from the piriformis muscle, and then treats it with the right plan, including image-guided piriformis injections when needed.

Symptoms

Piriformis syndrome usually affects one side of the body. Common symptoms include:

Deep ache or pain in the buttock on one side.

Pain, tingling or numbness that travels down the back of the thigh and leg.

Pain that becomes worse with sitting for long, especially on a hard surface.

Pain when climbing stairs, running or getting up from a chair.

Pain when crossing the legs or rotating the hip.

Tenderness when pressing deep in the buttock area.

Causes

Piriformis syndrome happens when the piriformis muscle irritates or presses on the sciatic nerve. Some of the most common causes are:

Long hours of sitting, which keeps constant pressure on the muscle.

Overuse from running, cycling, climbing or other repeated leg movements.

Falls on the buttock or direct injury to the area.

Tight or weak hip and buttock muscles.

Sitting on a wallet or phone in the back pocket for long periods.

Uneven walking due to leg length difference or foot problems.

In some people, a natural variation where the sciatic nerve passes through the muscle.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat piriformis syndrome the right way, spine causes of leg pain must first be ruled out. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical check with special hip and buttock tests to find the pain source.
MRI of the lower spine, and of the pelvis when needed, to rule out a slipped disc, spinal stenosis or other causes of sciatica.
Medicines and physiotherapy, including painkillers, muscle relaxants and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip and buttock.
Lifestyle changes like taking breaks from sitting, using a cushioned seat, removing the wallet from the back pocket and correct warm up before exercise.
Image-guided piriformis injection, which helps confirm the diagnosis and reduce muscle spasm and nerve irritation.
Repeat or advanced injections, in selected patients whose pain comes back after the first injection.
Surgical release of the muscle, only in very rare cases with severe pain that does not improve with all other treatment.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get piriformis syndrome. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Long sitting

Desk jobs, long driving and long commutes put steady pressure on the muscle.

Sports and fitness

Running, cycling and heavy leg workouts can overwork the muscle.

Past injury

A fall on the buttock can cause swelling and scarring around the muscle.

Muscle imbalance

Weak hip muscles or tight hamstrings add strain to the piriformis.

Uneven walking

Leg length difference or foot problems put more load on one side.

You Deserve a Life Without Piriformis Pain

Get the right diagnosis and advanced piriformis syndrome treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about piriformis syndrome treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

What is piriformis syndrome?

It is a condition where the piriformis muscle in the buttock becomes tight or goes into spasm and presses on the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the buttock and leg.

How is piriformis syndrome different from sciatica due to a slipped disc?

Both can cause similar leg pain. In piriformis syndrome, the nerve is pressed in the buttock, while in a slipped disc it is pressed in the spine. An examination and MRI help find the difference.

Can piriformis syndrome be treated without surgery?

Yes. Almost all patients improve with stretching, physiotherapy, medicines and image-guided piriformis injections. Surgery is very rarely needed.

What is a piriformis injection?

It is an injection given into the piriformis muscle under image guidance. It reduces muscle spasm and nerve irritation, and also helps confirm the diagnosis.

Can sitting for long cause piriformis syndrome?

Yes. Sitting for long hours, especially on hard seats or with a wallet in the back pocket, puts pressure on the muscle and nerve and can trigger pain.

How can I book an appointment for piriformis syndrome treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

Dr. Tanmay consults at 6 hospitals in Mumbai:

Sphere Multispeciality Clinic, Dadar East, Mumbai (Mon, Wed & Fri – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Aryan Multispeciality Hospital, Kalachowki (Mon, Wed & Fri – 5PM to 6PM)
Life Care Hospital, Sion (Tue, Thu & Sat – 5PM to 6PM)
Lion Tarachand Bapa Hospital, Sion, Mumbai (Tue, Thu & Sat – 6:30PM to 7:30PM)
Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre, Chembur (Tue, Thu & Sat – 8PM to 9PM)
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel