Discomfort from prolonged sitting? Inactive glutes? Pain in the buttocks or down the back of the leg? Despite its small size, the piriformis muscle plays an important role in body movement. When this muscle becomes tight or irritated, it can cause a condition known as piriformis syndrome .
In this guide, you’ll learn what the piriformis muscle does, what piriformis syndrome is, and what stretching exercises can help relieve discomfort.
What is the piriformis muscle?
The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock. It:
- It begins on the anterior surface of the sacrum (base of the spine)
- It passes through the greater sciatic foramen
- It attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone)
Its main functions include:
- External rotation of the hip
- Hip abduction
- Hip extension
Although small in size, the piriformis muscle helps stabilize the hip during movement.
What is piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle becomes tight, inflamed, or goes into spasm, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Because the sciatic nerve passes under, or sometimes through, the piriformis muscle, irritation of this muscle can compress the nerve.
This compression can cause sciatica-like symptoms, including pain that radiates from the buttock down the back of the leg.
