What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

In the video we showed you the anatomy of the hip including the hip muscles. The piriformis sits on top of the sciatic nerve, although there are variations in your own anatomy that may be slightly different. That area is very well supported, there are lots of muscles that work in synergy to help our hip function effectively.

All of these muscles have a similar nerve supply, they’re controlled by the same nerve. The sciatic nerve if irritated at its root in the lumbar spine can cause spasm in any of these muscles, as well as symptoms extending into the buttocks, leg or feet (or all three). The piriformis muscle cannot be engaged on its own.

For a muscle to be the cause of an injury, it needs to be isolated and overstrained. This isn’t possible with the piriformis as there’s so many muscles in that area. The counter argument to this is that the supraspinatus can be injured on its own so the piriformis can also, but the supraspinatus has a very unique blood supply system that makes this muscle able to be strained unlike so many other areas of the body.

If you’re concerned you have piriformis syndrome because you’ve been told that may be the case, look more towards the lumbar spine. Check out our Back In Shape membership area as this treats the injury as one located in the lower back instead, helping improve the stability, flexibility and function of the entire lower body and spine.