Patients often ask if they have Sciatica. If the Piriformis is pressing on the Sciatic nerve, this may lead to neural tension or tethering of the nerve, leading to nerve pain down the back of the leg. The Sciatic nerve can also get trapped as it passes through the Hamstrings (at the head of the Biceps Femoris). But if the Piriformis muscle has Trigger Points, which are over active muscle fibers, then a similar but different pattern can occur.
This pattern is more local and won’t run down the back of the leg. Treatments may vary depending on whether the muscle itself is causing a trigger point pain, or if the nerve is being pressed by a spasming muscle, or if the neural sheath around the nerve is being tethered. Usually ART (Active Release Technique) is effective in releasing the tight muscle. But for a tethered nerve, stretching will only irritate it more. In this case, nerve flossing is more effective.