Piriformis Muscle

The Piriformis muscle is a common scapegoat for chronic lower back and sciatica pain. The piriformis exists deep in the lower back/pelvic area, in close proximity to the sacrum, sacroiliac joints and interior hip joints. Nerve supply to the pirformis muscle is via the L5/S1/S2 spinal nerve roots which are known problem areas affected by many spinal conditions.

Piriformis Muscle

Piriformis Muscle Anatomy

The piriformis is a roughly flat triangular muscle that lies under the gluteal muscles of the buttocks. It is a very strong muscle and is one of the core postural muscles in our lower pelvic region. In most people, the sciatic nerve passes directly under this muscle. In about 15% of the population, the sciatic nerve actually passes through the muscle, which creates a higher incidence of piriformis related pain, theoretically due to neurological constriction.

Pirformis Muscle Pain Diagnosis

Actual pain due to piriformis nerve compression is rare. However, this diagnosis has become a convenience to medical doctors looking for new anatomical reasons on which to blame unexplained and unresponsive back pain conditions. Piriformis syndrome is usually a diagnosis of exclusion and often replaces a previous incorrect diagnostic theory. Many patients who are originally treated for some other type of back pain are eventually diagnosed with piriformis related pain if the treatments for the originally diagnosed condition prove to be ineffective. Piriformis syndrome has truly become a hot new star for doctors looking to diagnose the next �in vogue� back pain condition.

Recommendation on the Piriformis Muscle

This pain condition is very difficult to prove as coming from the piriformis itself. However, it is almost impossible to disprove. Therefore, we have an ideal alternative to the old standard back pain scapegoats. Let it be known that true piriformis pain does exist, but is rare. The majority of patients diagnosed with piriformis induced symptoms are actually suffering from back pain due to ischemia. This diagnosis is rarely made, since medical science still basically denies the existence of psychosomatic pain in general. If you have endured countless unsuccessful treatments for your piriformis symptoms, I urge you to reconsider the validity of the diagnosis and seek a second opinion.

Piriformis Muscle to Back Pain Home 3/1/07 Revised 10/4/08