Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttock, irritates or compresses the nearby sciatic nerve. This can lead to pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the hip down the leg—often resembling sciatica.
The piriformis muscle helps stabilize the hip and assists with leg rotation. But when it becomes tight, inflamed, or overused, it can disrupt normal movement patterns and trigger various symptoms. If you suspect you have piriformis syndrome, it’s worth consulting with your Lithia chiropractor, who can perform a thorough assessment. If you’re unsure, keep reading to uncover the main causes of this painful (and annoying!) condition.
1. Prolonged Sitting and Sedentary Lifestyle
Your modern lifestyle might be setting you up for piriformis problems without you realizing it. Spending hours sitting at a desk, in your car, or on your couch places the piriformis muscle in a shortened position for extended periods. Over time, this sustained shortening causes the muscle to become tight and develop trigger points.
When you sit, especially on hard surfaces, you place direct pressure on the piriformis muscle. This compression reduces blood flow to the muscle and can lead to inflammation and irritation. The position of your pelvis while sitting also matters—slouching or sitting with poor posture tilts your pelvis and changes how the piriformis muscle functions.
2. Overuse from Repetitive Activities
Athletes and active individuals often develop piriformis syndrome from repetitive movements that overwork the muscle. Running, cycling, and activities that involve frequent direction changes place significant demands on the piriformis muscle for hip stability and rotation.
Distance runners are particularly susceptible because the piriformis muscle must fire repeatedly with each stride to stabilize the hip and control leg rotation. Cyclists face a unique challenge because the piriformis muscle must work continuously to stabilize the pelvis while pedaling, especially with a poor bike fit.
Activities like soccer, basketball, and tennis involve frequent pivoting and direction changes that heavily recruit the piriformis muscle. Without adequate recovery time between training sessions, the muscle can become chronically tight and irritated.
3. Hip and Pelvic Misalignment
Your skeletal alignment significantly influences the function of your piriformis muscle. When your pelvis or hip joints are misaligned, it changes the muscle’s resting length and alters its biomechanical advantage. This misalignment forces the piriformis to work harder than it normally would, eventually leading to dysfunction.
Pelvic rotation or tilting affects the angle at which the piriformis muscle attaches to your bones. Even small changes in pelvic position can create significant changes in muscle tension and function. Hip joint restrictions can also contribute to piriformis problems, as surrounding muscles must work harder to compensate for limited mobility.
Leg length discrepancies create asymmetrical loading patterns that affect piriformis function. The piriformis muscle on one side may work harder to compensate for the imbalance, leading to unilateral symptoms.
4. Previous Injury or Trauma
Past injuries to your hip, pelvis, or lower back can set the stage for future piriformis problems. Scar tissue formation, altered movement patterns, and compensation strategies developed during injury recovery can all contribute to piriformis dysfunction months or years after the initial injury.
For example, hip injuries often result in protective muscle guarding that persists long after the original injury heals. Your nervous system may continue to keep certain muscles tight or alter movement patterns to protect the previously injured area. Lower back injuries can also indirectly affect piriformis function by altering movement patterns and increasing reliance on hip muscles for stability.
5. Muscle Imbalances and Weakness
Your piriformis muscle doesn’t work in isolation—it’s part of a complex system that stabilizes your hip and pelvis. When other muscles become weak or tight, the piriformis often compensates by working harder than normal.
For instance, weak gluteal muscles are a common contributor to piriformis problems. When your gluteus maximus and gluteus medius are weak, smaller muscles like the piriformis must take on more responsibility. Tight hip flexors can also alter pelvic position and change how the piriformis muscle functions.
Core weakness can also affect piriformis function through its impact on pelvic stability. When your deep core muscles aren’t providing adequate support, hip muscles must work harder to control movement and maintain proper alignment.
Do you suspect you might have piriformis syndrome? Need help figuring out how to overcome it? With the At Last Chiropractic team, we can help you do exactly that. Book your appointment with our caring and compassionate chiropractors today and start your journey toward lasting relief.
