01/01/2026
Take a look at how tight gluteal muscles can impinge the nerves and cause serious pain. Before an invasive surgery, try this:
Massage • stretch • strengthen
Do it consistently for a few months and see what happens!
🛑Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is an increasingly recognized clinical entity defined by non-discogenic entrapment of the sciatic nerve within the deep gluteal space. It causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttock, hip, or posterior thigh, often mimicking disc-related sciatica.
🟪Symptoms
Symptoms typically occur on one side and include:
Deep Buttock Pain: Often a deep, dull ache localized to the buttock.
Sciatica-like Radiation: Pain or "pins and needles" traveling down the back of the leg.
Sitting Intolerance: Symptoms often worsen after 20–30 minutes of sitting.
Positional Aggravation: Pain increased by certain hip movements, climbing stairs, or running.
✅Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves a "step-up" approach, primarily ruling out lumbar spine issues first.
Physical Exams: Specialized tests like the FADIR (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) or the seated piriformis stretch test are used to reproduce pain
Imaging: MRI and Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN) are preferred to visualize nerve entrapment or muscle abnormalities.
Ultrasound is useful for real-time dynamic assessment.
Diagnostic Injections: Image-guided injections of local anesthetics around the nerve can help confirm the specific site of entrapment.
