Medical disclaimer

Last updated [date]

The Piriformis Problem and this website give general information about piriformis syndrome and related causes of buttock and leg pain. They are not medical advice and they are not a substitute for being assessed by a qualified clinician.

About the author

The author is a research scientist, not a doctor or physiotherapist. The book summarises published research and describes one person's experience of recovering. [If the book has been reviewed by a clinician, say so here.]

Before you start

Buttock and leg pain has many possible causes, and some of them need different treatment. Please see your GP, a physiotherapist or another qualified professional to get a proper assessment, especially before starting a new exercise programme if you have other health conditions, are pregnant, or have recently had surgery.

Stop any exercise that causes sharp pain or makes your symptoms clearly worse, and seek advice.

When to get urgent help

Go to A&E or call 999 if you have symptoms in both legs, numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, or weakness or numbness in your legs that is severe or getting worse. The full list is on the home page, and the NHS page on sciatica has more detail.

No guarantee

People recover at different rates and in different ways. The book can't promise a particular result. The research it describes is summarised as of [month and year], and new evidence may change what is recommended.