Piriformis Syndrome

From Laura Inverarity, D.O., former About.com Guide

Updated July 16, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

The piriformis is a small muscle located in the buttock region deep to the gluteal muscles. It assists in abducting (lifting out) and externally rotating the hip joint. The sciatic nerve runs extremely close to the piriformis muscle, and occasionally runs through it. As a result, when the piriformis muscle becomes tight it often puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, and piriformis syndrome results.

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• Overview and Symptoms
• The Piriformis Muscle
• Treatment of Piriformis Syndrome

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