PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME - Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot.The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttock.

The exact causes of piriformis syndrome are unknown. Suspected causes include:

- Muscle spasm in the piriformis muscle, either because of irritation in the piriformis muscle itself, or irritation of a nearby structure such as the sacroiliac joint or hip

- Tightening of the muscle, in response to injury or spasm

- Swelling of the piriformis muscle, due to injury or spasm

- Bleeding in the area of the piriformis muscle.