Piriformis Syndrome
Gain clarity on the true source of your pain. Our specialists evaluate and treat complex pelvic and sciatic nerve conditions, including piriformis syndrome, and help you understand the most appropriate next steps for your care.
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition where the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. This can cause radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttock, hip, or leg, often mistaken for sciatica or lumbar disc issues.
Accurate diagnosis is essential, as effective treatment depends on identifying the true source of pain.
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition where the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve. This can cause radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the buttock, hip, or leg, often mistaken for sciatica or lumbar disc issues.
Accurate diagnosis is essential, as effective treatment depends on identifying the true source of pain.
Piriformis syndrome can present differently, but common symptoms include:
• Deep pain in one buttock
• Pain that worsens with sitting, driving, or climbing stairs
• Shooting or burning pain down the leg
• Tingling or numbness in the buttock, thigh, or leg
• Tightness or muscle spasms around the hip
Symptoms often improve when standing or lying down. Many patients are initially told they have “sciatica” when the underlying issue is actually the piriformis muscle.
Piriformis syndrome can present differently, but common symptoms include:
• Deep pain in one buttock
• Pain that worsens with sitting, driving, or climbing stairs
• Shooting or burning pain down the leg
• Tingling or numbness in the buttock, thigh, or leg
• Tightness or muscle spasms around the hip
Symptoms often improve when standing or lying down. Many patients are initially told they have “sciatica” when the underlying issue is actually the piriformis muscle.
Factors that may contribute to piriformis irritation include:
• Overuse or repetitive movement
• Prolonged sitting
• Trauma to the hip or buttock
• Muscle imbalance or poor posture
• Anatomical variations in the sciatic nerve pathway
• Compensation from pelvic or spinal alignment issues
Piriformis syndrome can occur alongside other musculoskeletal or nerve conditions, making specialist evaluation important.
Factors that may contribute to piriformis irritation include:
• Overuse or repetitive movement
• Prolonged sitting
• Trauma to the hip or buttock
• Muscle imbalance or poor posture
• Anatomical variations in the sciatic nerve pathway
• Compensation from pelvic or spinal alignment issues
Piriformis syndrome can occur alongside other musculoskeletal or nerve conditions, making specialist evaluation important.
Because piriformis syndrome can mimic lumbar disc problems, sacroiliac dysfunction, or pelvic nerve irritation, diagnosis is never based on symptoms alone.
Our approach includes:
• Detailed clinical examination
• Assessment of pelvic alignment and muscle tension
• Targeted physical tests isolating the piriformis muscle
• Neurological evaluation when needed
• Advanced imaging or diagnostic injections in complex cases
• A differential diagnosis process to rule out related conditions
This helps determine whether the piriformis muscle is the primary source of pain or part of a broader issue.
Because piriformis syndrome can mimic lumbar disc problems, sacroiliac dysfunction, or pelvic nerve irritation, diagnosis is never based on symptoms alone.
Our approach includes:
• Detailed clinical examination
• Assessment of pelvic alignment and muscle tension
• Targeted physical tests isolating the piriformis muscle
• Neurological evaluation when needed
• Advanced imaging or diagnostic injections in complex cases
• A differential diagnosis process to rule out related conditions
This helps determine whether the piriformis muscle is the primary source of pain or part of a broader issue.
Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms and underlying causes and may include:
• Targeted physiotherapy
• Stretching and strengthening programs
• Postural and activity modifications
• Anti-inflammatory strategies
• Image-guided injections when appropriate
• Neuromuscular retraining
Most patients improve with conservative care. If symptoms persist, we reassess to identify contributing factors and discuss further options.
Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms and underlying causes and may include:
• Targeted physiotherapy
• Stretching and strengthening programs
• Postural and activity modifications
• Anti-inflammatory strategies
• Image-guided injections when appropriate
• Neuromuscular retraining
Most patients improve with conservative care. If symptoms persist, we reassess to identify contributing factors and discuss further options.
A specialist evaluation may be helpful if:
• Pain has lasted more than a few weeks
• Physiotherapy or back-focused treatments haven’t helped
• Symptoms keep returning
• Pain worsens with sitting or activity
• You’re unsure whether the pain is coming from your back, hip, or pelvis
• Your symptoms don’t match standard sciatica
• You’ve received conflicting diagnoses
A specialist can determine whether piriformis syndrome — or another pelvic or nerve condition — is contributing to your symptoms and guide you toward appropriate next steps.
A specialist evaluation may be helpful if:
• Pain has lasted more than a few weeks
• Physiotherapy or back-focused treatments haven’t helped
• Symptoms keep returning
• Pain worsens with sitting or activity
• You’re unsure whether the pain is coming from your back, hip, or pelvis
• Your symptoms don’t match standard sciatica
• You’ve received conflicting diagnoses
A specialist can determine whether piriformis syndrome — or another pelvic or nerve condition — is contributing to your symptoms and guide you toward appropriate next steps.
Your Care Journey
Finding answers when you’re unsure what’s wrong can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we guide you through a clear, proven pathway from your first consultation to recovery.
Every stage is personal, precise, and focused on long-lasting relief.
Consultation
Start With Clarity
Your journey begins with an online or in-person consultation. We take time to understand your symptoms, history, and previous treatments so we can assess whether your pain may be related to the piriformis muscle, the spine, hip, or sciatic nerve.
Diagnosis
Pinpointing the Cause
We use focused physical tests, symptom mapping, and imaging when needed to identify what’s truly driving your pain. This allows us to distinguish piriformis-related issues from other possible sources and provide a clear, accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Plan
Your Path Forward
We begin with conservative options like physiotherapy, targeted stretching, and activity adjustments. If symptoms persist, we reassess together and consider additional diagnostic or interventional steps based on your response.
Surgery
Expert Intervention
If surgery becomes the right next step, you’re in the hands of highly experienced specialists. We explain every detail clearly and ensure you feel supported before, during, and after the procedure.
Recovery
Ongoing Support
Support continues well after treatment. We guide you through recovery with physical therapy recommendations, activity guidelines, and follow-up care so you feel supported at every stage of healing.
Still in Pain? It Might Not Be Your Back.
Piriformis syndrome often mimics sciatica, which is why back-focused treatments may not help. A specialist evaluation can clarify whether the piriformis muscle or another structure is driving your symptoms.
Why Specialized
Evaluation Matters
Piriformis syndrome can closely mimic spinal or nerve-related conditions, making diagnosis difficult. At our centers in Dubai and Belgium, specialized evaluation focuses on deep gluteal and pelvic structures to help identify the true source of symptoms and guide appropriate care, even when answers have been difficult to find.
Focused Expertise
Focused evaluation of piriformis syndrome and deep gluteal pain.
Differential Diagnosis
Assessment to distinguish piriformis-related pain from spinal or nerve conditions.
Targeted Testing
Clinical examination and diagnostics specific to deep gluteal conditions.
Treatment Planning
Clear treatment pathways based on confirmed diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
Piriformis syndrome often mimics other conditions like sciatica or lumbar issues, which makes diagnosis challenging. These FAQs address common concerns and help clarify when a specialist evaluation may be beneficial.
Piriformis-related pain often worsens with sitting, driving, or certain hip movements, and may improve when standing or lying down. However, symptoms can mimic spine or sacroiliac conditions, which is why a structured clinical evaluation is needed to distinguish between them.
Standard MRI scans do not always show piriformis irritation or sciatic nerve compression in the deep gluteal region. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by targeted physical tests, symptom mapping, and imaging or injections when appropriate.
In most cases, no. Many patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modifications, stretching, injections, or neuromuscular retraining. Surgery is considered only when symptoms are severe, persistent, and clearly linked to piriformis-related compression.
Recovery varies depending on symptom duration, underlying causes, and treatment response. Some patients improve within weeks, while others require a more gradual approach. A personalized plan ensures treatment progresses at the right pace for your condition.
Piriformis syndrome may involve multiple contributing factors, including pelvic alignment, hip mechanics, nerve sensitivity, or other deep gluteal muscles. If symptoms recur, a specialized evaluation can identify additional sources that routine care may not address.
Yes. It may occur together with sacroiliac dysfunction, lumbar disc irritation, pelvic floor tension, or other deep gluteal entrapments. A thorough assessment helps determine whether the piriformis is the primary source of pain or part of a broader pattern.
Image-guided injections can reduce inflammation and help confirm whether the piriformis muscle is contributing to symptoms. They are often used alongside physiotherapy or as a diagnostic step in complex cases.
A specialist evaluation is recommended if pain has lasted several weeks, keeps returning, worsens with sitting, or has not improved with back-focused treatments. A focused assessment can reveal whether piriformis syndrome—or another condition—is driving your symptoms.
Still unsure about your symptoms?
Our specialists can help you understand what’s causing your pain and guide you toward the right next steps.