How Do You Diagnose Piriformis Syndrome?
The sciatic nerve runs from the spinal chord, through the gluteus maximus (buttock) and down the back of each leg. The piriformis is a muscle that forms part of the buttock. It connects the femur to the pelvis The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis. When the piriformis becomes tight, swells or goes into spasms, it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pain radiates down the back of the thigh, and can go as far as your foot. Causes include prolonged sitting and trauma. Climbing stairs, running, walking and sitting can make it worse. Specialized surgery usually cures it. Consider the possibility of piriformis syndrome if you feel pain, numbness or tingling in the buttocks muscle or in the upper leg. Especially consider it if there has been minor trauma to the buttocks region. Doctors tend to diagnose such pain as caused by a spinal disk problem. This is usually the cause, but not always. Cross piriformis syndrome off the list of possibilities if the pain goes up to your lower
