Symptoms

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time can worsen symtpoms of piriformis syndrome.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim
  
  Symptoms for piriformis syndrome include soreness in the buttock area, tenderness in certain areas of your leg, and reduced flexibility in the hip joint. These symptoms seem to worsen when you sit or stand for long periods of time.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Some members of the population are at an increased risk of developing piriformis syndrome. The list includes middle-aged adults, people with sedentary lifestyles, pregnant women, runners, and diabetics.
  
  

Causes

• Pregnancy can sometimes cause piriformis syndrome.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kate Weber
  
  Lower back conditions such as degenerative disc disease (DDD), or a bulging disc can cause piriformis. Pregnancy is a another condition to consider. The excess weight gained during pregnancy can cause pressure on your spine, triggering pain. Although extremely uncommon, spinal tumors and infections can compress the nerve and cause discomfort as well.
  
  

Prevention

• Yoga can strengthen the piriformis muscle, providng some relief.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of lululemon athletica
  
  Apply heat to the sore muscle. Strengthen the muscle with stretching exercises such as yoga. Applying massage techniques may be useful as well.
  
  

Treatments

• Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for piriformis syndrome.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Wonderlane
  
  Historically, piriformis has been primarily treated with bed rest. In other cases, pain relief is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery. Alternative treatments include yoga, biofeedback, and acupuncture.