What are the 10 Signs and Remedies for Piriformis Syndrome?

2. Pain down the back of the thigh and calf

When the piriformis muscle is tight, it can pinch the sciatic nerve—the largest single nerve in the human body which runs from the lower spine through the buttock all the way down to the foot. When the sciatic nerve is compromised and causes pain, it is referred to as sciatica. It can cause pain originating from the buttock and radiating down the back of the whole leg. The cause of sciatica can also be hard to diagnose—it is a symptom of compression of the nerve, usually caused by a herniated disc. Once disc problems are ruled out, piriformis syndrome may be considered. The origin of pain may differentiate the two—sciatica caused by herniated disc may cause pain in the low back and all the way down the leg. Sciatic pain caused by piriformis syndrome will originate from the buttock with pain that is more intense above the knee.