The piriformis is the deepest muscle located in the gluteal or the buttock region of the
body.  This muscle attaches to the sacrum and the hipbone.  The piriformis syndrome, also
known as sciatica, is a neurological disorder that is caused by the impingement of the
sciatic nerve.  The nerve either passes under or thru this muscle.  Therefore, shortening
and tightening of this muscle would cause impingement to the nerve and sciatic nerve pain.

Other causes include:
uneven compression in the vertebral column, degeneration of discs or herniation/bulging of
discs.


Symptoms often include hip pain, burning sensation, shooting pain and numbness/tingling radiating down the back of the thigh, leg and foot of the effected side.