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Piriformis Syndrome

From , former About.com Guide

Updated July 16, 2007

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The Piriformis Muscle

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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