That burning sensation in your buttocks is a symptom of Piriformis Syndrome. If you suffer from low back pain with referred symptoms into one of your buttocks it’s likely you have this painful condition.

Piriformis Syndrome is quite often mistaken for sciatica and that’s understandable because the symptoms are often very similar. Patients with piriformis syndrome experience a painful burning sensation in the buttocks, that runs from their low back down through the buttocks and often into the back of the thigh.

What causes the burning sensation in buttocks?

Piriformis Syndrome occurs because at the end of the spinal cord we get a kind of fine noodle structure called the Cauda-Equina. These nerve roots sit under the triangular bone of the sacrum where they form the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve passes through the gluteal muscles and if there is a contracture in the muscle you can get a pinching or crushing on that nerve. This causes the referred pain into the buttock and down the back of the leg.

Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome

Often patients complain that their symptoms are worse when they sit, they might be driving for long periods or sitting at a desk. This can particularly aggravate the sciatic nerve because the gluteal muscles are on tension the whole time.

It is quite common in occupations that require lots of sitting but Piriformis Syndrome can also be problematic for physically fit and active people. Over use of the gluteal muscles can cause a tightening or stretch in the buttock which can pinch the sciatic nerve.

Types of Symptoms include:

• Dull ‘toothache’ pain or burning sensation into the buttock.
• Sharp pain when the affected buttock muscle is pressed.
• Pain often refers into the back of the thigh but not down the leg.
• Pain which is worse during or after sitting.

Treating Piriformis Syndrome effectively

Acting fast to understand the root cause of your muscle and joint pain is the key to effective treatment and fast recovery times.

With iPhysio® there is no need to wait for doctor appointments or referrals to see a specialist. It takes just a few minutes to complete our assessment.

Then download our clinically-proven treatment guide to your favourite device. This expert guide will help support you in your recovery over the following weeks.

This can all be achieved in the comfort of your own home and compared to private physical therapy, you’ll save hundreds of pounds too.

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