What is Piriformis Syndrome

 

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, compresses the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down each leg.

 When the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms, it can irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the buttocks and down the back of the leg. The symptoms can be similar to those of sciatica, a condition that also involves compression of the sciatic nerve, but with sciatica the problem usually arises from a problem in the spine.

Piriformis syndrome is often caused by activities that involve repetitive motion of the legs or buttocks, such as running or cycling. It can also be caused by trauma to the buttock region, such as a fall or a direct blow to the area.

Treatment for piriformis syndrome may include rest, stretching exercises, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or in some cases, injection of medication directly into the piriformis muscle. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.