Piriformis syndrome results as the sciatic nerve is compressed as it passes under a small muscle in your buttocks called the piriformis. Your piriformis muscle starts at your tailbone, crosses your buttocks, and attaches to the top of your femur. This muscle works to rotate your leg outwards when it contracts. When the muscle is irritated, it causes spasms, compressing your sciatic nerve. Consequently, sciatica-like numbness, tingling, and electrical sensations into the leg and foot can occur.
In most people, the sciatic nerve travels under the piriformis muscle. However, in 25% of the population, the sciatic nerve passes through the muscle. As a result, these people are more likely to suffer from piriformis syndrome. Often, we see this problem in female patients between the ages of 40 and 60. However, men and women at any age can experience piriformis syndrome