Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a medical condition in which the piriformis muscle spasms and causes pain in the buttock (buttocks are the place where the piriformis muscle is located). The piriformis muscle can also irritate the sciatic nerve, which is nearby and cause also pain, numbness or tingling along to the back of the leg and into the foot.

The piriformis muscle is localized deep in the buttock, starting at the lower spine and connects the upper surface of each thighbone. The piriformis muscle assists in the process of rotation of the hip and turning the leg and foot outward.

Piriformis syndrome usually starts with pain, numbness and tingling in the buttocks. The pain depends from one person to another. It can vary from mild, moderate to severe and it is localized in the buttocks, but also extends down the leg.

The pain caused by the piriformis syndrome can sometimes be triggered from climbing the stairs, sitting for a long period of time, compressing directly over the piriformis muscle, etc.