r/openpiriformis

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar, as I’m starting to wonder whether this could be piriformis syndrome or another deep glute issue.

For around a year I’ve had some strange symptoms, all on my right side. The pain itself is actually pretty mild, probably only around 2/10, but the sensations are odd and seem to be happening more often.

My main symptoms are:

Aching/discomfort deep in my right glute, especially after sitting.

Tingling in my right thigh that sometimes feels like someone has splashed cold water on it.

Occasional shooting sensations down the back of my right leg into my calf.

Sitting is by far the biggest trigger. I work a desk job and after sitting for a while everything becomes much more noticeable. Walking generally improves it.

Lying on my back at night can also bring on tingling, and sleeping with a pillow between my legs seems to help.

I’ve also noticed my right hip and glute feel significantly weaker than my left. For example, when I do side planks my right side gives up much sooner. I also seem to naturally lean onto my right hip when sitting.

I recently did a weekend of heavy hiking. My hips definitely felt weak afterwards, but interestingly the sciatic symptoms weren’t terrible while I was walking. It’s mainly sitting still afterwards that sets everything off.

I’ve had an MRI of my lumbar spine which didn’t show any disc bulges or nerve compression.

The only findings were some mild facet joint fluid, so I’m wondering whether the problem could actually be outside my spine, possibly involving the piriformis or another deep glute muscle.

Has anyone had symptoms where sitting was the main trigger, walking actually felt better, and the glute seemed to be the source? If so, what did it turn out to be, and what helped?

MRI photos attached, I think the discs look ok so not sure if it’s them or causing issues

Thanks.