Discomfort from too much sitting? Inactive glutes? Pain in the buttock or down the back of the leg? Even though it’s small, the piriformis muscle plays an important role in how the body moves. When this muscle becomes tight or irritated, it can lead to a condition known as piriformis syndrome.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the piriformis muscle does, what piriformis syndrome is, and which stretches and exercises may help relieve discomfort.
What Is the Piriformis Muscle?
The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock. It:
- Starts on the front surface of the sacrum (base of the spine)
- Passes through the greater sciatic foramen
- Attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur (upper thigh bone)
Its main functions include:
- External rotation of the hip
- Hip abduction
- Hip extension
Although small, the piriformis helps stabilize the hip during movement.
What Is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle becomes tight, inflamed, or spasms, placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Because the sciatic nerve runs underneath—or sometimes through—the piriformis muscle, irritation of this muscle can compress the nerve.
This compression can cause symptoms similar to sciatica, including pain that travels from the buttock down the back of the leg.
