What is Buttock Pain or Piriformis Syndrome?
Pain in buttock, or Piriformis Syndrome
A condition in which pain is felt in the rear, along the back of the leg, and in the foot as well. It is more common among women and active individuals like runners and joggers. It can develop when the piriformis muscle becomes stiff and exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve that causes low back pain and/or pain radiating to the rear and down the leg.
Symptoms
Pain, tingling sensation or numbness in the buttocks that could be severe and extend down the length of the sciatic nerve, known as sciatica. The pain is due to the compression of sciatic nerve when sitting on a car seat, running, climbing stairs, applying firm pressure directly over the piriformis muscle, or sitting for long period of time.
Diagnosis
No definitive test. Usually there is a history of trauma to the area or repetitive vigorous activity. Diagnosis is made by the patient’s symptoms and manual examination using various movements to elicit pain to the piriformis muscle. Sometimes, symptoms could be similar to other conditions so radiologic tests such as MRIs may be required.
