Piriformis Syndrome : A Lesser Known Cause of Buttock Pain & Sciatica
What is piriformis syndrome? Piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttock and helps to rotate the leg outwards. It extends from the side of sacrum and tailbone to the upper part of thigh bone. One of the main nerves of the leg (sciatic nerve) runs in close relation to this muscle. Problems of the piriformis muscle such as spasms or swelling, can cause irritation of the sciatic nerve leading to sciatica like symptoms. This condition is addressed as piriformis syndrome (PS). Other names for this condition include extra-spinal sciatica, deep gluteal syndrome or wallet neuritis. What are the symptoms of piriformis syndrome? Most patients present with buttock and leg pain which is worse on sitting and with hip movements. Pain is described as a dull ache, shooting or burning sensation associated with buttock tenderness. Most patients sit with the affected side tilted upwards. Some patients complain of a swelling, sausage shaped lump sensation in the buttock. Pain commonly r...