Pain in the Butt (Literally)? It Might Be Piriformis Syndrome
We’ve all heard the phrase “pain in the butt” — but for some people, that phrase is more than just a metaphor. If you’re dealing with a stubborn ache in your glutes that sometimes travels down your leg, you may be suffering from something called Piriformis Syndrome — a commonly overlooked condition that can mimic sciatica and derail your day-to-day life.
So, what is piriformis syndrome?
The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in your buttocks, running from your sacrum (base of the spine) to the top of your femur (thigh bone). It plays a critical role in stabilizing your pelvis and helping with hip rotation. But here’s the problem: your sciatic nerve — the largest nerve in your body — runs either beneath or through this muscle. When the piriformis becomes tight, inflamed, or irritated, it can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to:
A deep ache in the glute that won’t go away
Pain when sitting for long periods (especially in the car or at your desk)
Shooting pain, tingling, or numbness that travels down the back of the leg
Discomfort with climbing stairs, squatting, or getting up from a chair
What causes it?
Piriformis syndrome often stems from muscle imbalances, poor hip mobility, sedentary habits, or overuse injuries — especially in runners, hikers, and desk workers. Ironically, the pain often doesn’t start from the piriformis alone. Tightness in the hip flexors, weakness in the glutes, or dysfunction in the low back or pelvis can force the piriformis to overwork… eventually leading to irritation and pain.
And here's where most people go wrong: they try to “stretch it out.” But without addressing the root causes — like movement dysfunctions or joint restrictions — the pain always comes back.
The good news?
Piriformis syndrome is highly treatable without drugs or surgery. At New Edge Spine and Sport, we specialize in functional, movement-based chiropractic care that goes beyond a quick adjustment. Our sessions combine:
✅ Myofascial release and soft tissue therapy
✅ Pelvic and lumbar adjustments to restore alignment
✅ Targeted rehab to strengthen weak links
✅ Mobility drills to improve hip and core control
✅ Movement screens to prevent future flare-ups
If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines (literally and figuratively), let’s get to the root of the issue and build a long-term plan that works — not just a temporary fix.
📞 Ready to take the first step?
👉 Click here to request an appointment
Let’s take the pain in your butt… out of your life.