PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

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Piriformis syndrome is a common cause of buttock and sciatica-like pain in Singapore, often linked to modern lifestyle factors such as long hours of sitting, repetitive exercise, or direct trauma to the buttock. It occurs when the piriformis muscle—a small but important muscle located deep in the gluteal region—becomes tight, inflamed, or goes into spasm.

This muscle connects the lower spine to the thighbone and lies close to the sciatic nerve. When irritated, it can place pressure on the nerve, leading to pain that may radiate from the buttock down the back of the thigh, calf, and even into the foot. If left unmanaged, piriformis syndrome can significantly affect daily activities, making it uncomfortable to sit, walk, exercise, or sleep.

At Singapore Paincare, we take a precise, minimally invasive approach to treating piriformis syndrome. By accurately identifying the source of pain and targeting the muscle safely and effectively, our specialists help patients achieve lasting relief—often without surgery or prolonged medication—so they can return to daily life with greater comfort, mobility, and confidence.

Neck Lower Back Pain

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle becomes irritated or injured, resulting in muscle spasm or swelling. This creates pressure on the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle. Common triggers include:

A fall or accident

Landing hard on your buttock can injure the muscle and cause it to tighten around the nerve.

Playing sports or exercising

Activities like badminton, soccer, fencing, or cycling involve repetitive hip movements that can strain the muscle, especially if you exercise intensely without proper conditioning.

Sitting for long hours

Extended sitting at work, during commutes, or at home—particularly with poor posture—can cause the muscle to tighten and shorten over time.

Skipping your warm-up

Starting exercise without warming up leaves the muscle unprepared and more vulnerable to strains or tears.

Lifting heavy items incorrectly

Twisting while lifting can suddenly strain your lower back and buttock muscles, including the piriformis.

What are the Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome?

The symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome can range from a dull ache to intense, shooting pain. Recognizing these signs early is key to seeking timely piriformis syndrome treatment and improving your quality of life.

  • Lower Body Pain: Aching or sharp pain in the buttock region that often extends down the back of the thigh, calf, and leg, causing mild weakness of the leg. This is often felt by athletes who overuse the gluteus and hip muscles.
  • Inability to Sit or Stand for a Prolonged Period: Reduced ability to sit or stand comfortably for long, but pain can often improve with movement and gentle stretching.
  • Tingling or Numbness: “Pins and needles” or loss of sensation in the buttock and along the back of the leg, into the affected sole.
  • Weakness: Mild weakness may also present in the calf and the foot.

 What are the Treatment Options for Piriformis Syndrome?

Conservative Treatments

If your Piriformis Syndrome is mild, you will benefit from conservative treatments, including:

  • Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching exercises help relax and lengthen the muscle. Our specialists will guide you through these carefully to support your recovery without overdoing it.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If your buttock region discomfort has been persistent or more severe, minimally invasive treatments can address the exact source without the need for open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we offer precise procedures designed to ease your symptoms at their root and help you move comfortably again.

Coreflex Injection

A targeted injection that combines local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle relaxant to help break the pain cycle and promote healing.

PRP /  Botulinum toxin injections

If your muscle spasms recur too quickly, we may recommend specialized options like PRP or Botulinum toxin injections to provide longer-lasting relief. PRP supports the natural healing of the injured muscle tissue, while Botox temporarily relaxes the spastic muscle for more sustained relief. 

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is not an effective treatment for muscle tension spasm, even when other methods have been exhausted 

How Singapore Paincare Treats Piriformis Syndrome? 

At Singapore Paincare, our specialists use the proprietary Painostic® method, developed through years of clinical experience, to accurately identify the true source of buttock pain, including conditions such as piriformis syndrome. This in-house approach goes beyond standard assessment methods to differentiate muscular, nerve, spinal, or joint-related causes and map a treatment pathway tailored specifically to your condition.

We focus on the least invasive options first, including targeted injections and minimally invasive procedures, often supported by medication and physical or cognitive rehabilitation. Even in complex or persistent cases, this integrated approach helps relieve pain, improve mobility and reduce the risk of recurrence.

How to Prevent Piriformis Syndrome? 

Piriformis syndrome is often preventable, and you can take these steps to keep it at bay: 

  • Keeping a proper posture at all times, especially when sitting and standing. 
  • Regular exercising to keep muscles strong and flexible. 
  • Doing proper warm-up and stretching before any exercise or sports. 
  • Avoiding sitting for long periods of time – take a break by standing, walking or stretching. 
  • Learning proper lifting techniques to avoid sudden muscle strain. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

No. Piriformis syndrome is caused by muscle irritation, while sciatica usually results from spinal nerve compression. Symptoms can be similar, which is why proper diagnosis is important.

Recovery time varies depending on severity. Many patients improve with targeted injections and physiotherapy over weeks to months.

Most treatments are well tolerated. Injections are performed with precision to minimise discomfort.

Most patients return to light activities within one to two days, depending on the treatment.

Recurrence is possible if contributing factors such as poor posture or prolonged sitting are not addressed. Preventive strategies help reduce recurrence risk.

Downtime is minimal. Most patients return to daily activities shortly after treatment. 

A Message About Piriformis Syndrome from Our Pain Specialist 

If you're experiencing deep buttock pain that travels down your leg, it can be unsettling and hard to understand. Many people assume this is sciatica, yet the source of the pain is not always the spine. In some cases, the discomfort comes from a tight muscle deep within the buttock, creating symptoms that feel almost identical. 

Piriformis Syndrome is one such condition. Its presentation closely mirrors sciatica caused by a slipped disc or bone spurs pressing on spinal nerves. Because of this overlap, careful assessment is essential. Before diagnosing a muscle-related cause, nerve compression from the spine must first be ruled out with appropriate imaging, such as an MRI. When a nerve is genuinely compressed, it can mask muscle pain and require a very different treatment approach. 

At Singapore Paincare, we take time to identify the true source of your pain before recommending treatment. With a clear diagnosis and a personalised plan, we guide you step by step toward relief — helping you move, sit, and live with greater comfort and confidence again.