Question 1

how can i find out if i have torn my piriformis muscle?

Accepted Answer

MRI: MRI of the hip would confirm this.

Question 2

can a loose and weak piriformis muscle cause pain?  if so what type of pain would it cause. thanks

Accepted Answer

Possible sciatica: if you have problems with the piriformis tendon, it may irritate the sciatic nerve. This in turn may cause pain in the buttock and/or aim down the leg. An evaluation with a good history and physical can help with the diagnosis and treatment.

Question 3

what is a therapeutic treatment for piriformis muscle syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Piriformis: Heat and/or ice applications.  Specific exercises given you by the therapist.  Avoid lifting and activity that irritates the pain.  A therapist can use ultrasound, or electrical stimulation (tens) or light therapy.

Question 4

how can you tell if you have a loose piriformis muscle or tight?

Accepted Answer

Hip rotation: Theoretically internal rotation of the hip may help to determine tightness, but this would be nonspecific since there are multiple external rotators of the hip.  If the piriformis is felt to be a pain generator for you, my suggestion would be to go ahead and treat the piriformis with stretches and direct modalities (i.e. massage, heat) and see if you have improvement.

Question 5

can both piriformis muscle become so tight it causes you to not be able to bend at the waist?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You can rest.Take care with muscle relaxing and hot pack.

Question 6

can extremely tight piriformis muscles cause kyphosis up in the back?

Accepted Answer

May be related: Piriformis muscles are primarily involved in external rotation and weak abductors of the hip.  They do not cross into the back.  That being said, increased kyphosis in the thoracic spine can cause a hyper lordosis on the low back and a pelvic tilt which may have other consequences about the hip and pelvis.  A detailed exam and radiographs will usually be able to tell the cause/ effect relationship

Question 7

can piriformis sydrome cause sharp stabbing pain in lower back more to side area of back when twisting to the side plus muscle spasms in back at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Piriformis syndrome describes the set of symptoms that can occur from an abnormal piriformis muscle/tendon.  The piriformis begins in the pelvis and inserts on the hip and can cause back , hip, and buttock pain as well as pain that runs down the leg.

Question 8

can cronic piriformis sydrome cause si joint dysfuncation?can the pulling of the muscle put stress on the ligaments?or is the muscle not strong enough

Accepted Answer

Yes: certainly with time piriformis syndrome causes pain which may lead to an asymmetric gait - which will over time result in SI disease.

Question 9

i have a nasty pain in my buttocks that is shooting down the back of my thighs.  it's a burning pain and although i am stretching, it is not improving.  i believe it is quite common and has something to do with the piriformis muscle?

Accepted Answer

Pain: this can be the cause. hip and back srthritis can also cause nerve impingement. as a sports physician we see this often and need a good clinical assessment and appropriate xrays etc to treat properly

Question 10

can piriformis muscle syndrome cause sciatica type symptoms (pain and tingling in legs).  can you suggest anything that may help relieve it?

Accepted Answer

Suggestions: Yes, if sciatic is caught by buttock muscles, pain can simulate a pinched nerve from the back, BUT you describe issues in "legs", and the bilaterality causes some concern regarding lumbar stenosis vrs peripheral neuropathy.  First, get diagnosis confirmed, then if appropriate, try physical therapy or osteopathy.

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Doctor answers about:

Piriformis muscle test

A member asked:

How can i find out if i have torn my piriformis muscle?

A member asked:

Can a loose and weak piriformis muscle cause pain? if so what type of pain would it cause. thanks

A member asked:

What is a therapeutic treatment for piriformis muscle syndrome?

A member asked:

How can you tell if you have a loose piriformis muscle or tight?

A member asked:

Can both piriformis muscle become so tight it causes you to not be able to bend at the waist?

A member asked:

Can extremely tight piriformis muscles cause kyphosis up in the back?

A member asked:

Can piriformis sydrome cause sharp stabbing pain in lower back more to side area of back when twisting to the side plus muscle spasms in back at night?

A member asked:

Can cronic piriformis sydrome cause si joint dysfuncation?can the pulling of the muscle put stress on the ligaments?or is the muscle not strong enough

A member asked:

I have a nasty pain in my buttocks that is shooting down the back of my thighs. it's a burning pain and although i am stretching, it is not improving. i believe it is quite common and has something to do with the piriformis muscle?

A member asked:

Can piriformis muscle syndrome cause sciatica type symptoms (pain and tingling in legs). can you suggest anything that may help relieve it?

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