WHAT IS IT
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 (similar to sciatic pain).
In a survey conducted on the general population, 12.2% – 27% included a lifetime occurrence of PS, while 2.2% – 19.5% showed an annual occurrence of Symptoms of piriformis syndrome.
The common ages of occurrence happen between thirty and forty, and are scarcely found in patients younger than twenty. It has been known to affect all lifestyles.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE
The symptoms of piriformis syndrome include pain deep in the buttock, and pain radiating down the back of the thigh and may be worse in some sitting positions.

HOW DO I GET IT
Running, extensive walking, prolonged sitting and trauma all contribute to piriformis syndrome.
Women are affected more often than men.
It is more common in people whose sciatic nerve passes through the muscle.
Piriformis muscle spasm can occur as a result of pelvic dysfunctions (loss of control of the pelvic bones) and is also seen in patients who have very poor core stability (or poor deep muscle stabilisers of the trunk) – in these cases the piriformis muscle compensates for this lack of strength.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Stretching, rest from the offending activity if one has been identified, massage and anti-inflammatory medicines are the initial recommended treatment. Core strengthening exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist and myotherapist to the pelvis may be needed in some cases. With severe persistent pain, corticosteroid injections or surgery are sometimes considered.