Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Piriformis Syndrome

Definition

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. It is usually the result of a traumatic injury to the buttocks or hip region. The piriformis muscle is a long, narrow, pyramid-shaped muscle, located deep in the buttocks, that runs from the base of the spine to the top of the femur. Sciatic irritation causes nagging aches, pain, tingling and numbness in the area extending from the buttocks to the tibia.

Description

Piriformis syndrome is a frequent cause of low back pain. Yoeman first described it in 1928, although the term itself wasn't introduced until 1947, when Robinson correctly identified