Where Is the Piriformis?
The Piriformus is a muscle that travels sideways from the lower half of the sacrum on the side to the top of the leg bone on the outside.
What are the Symptoms of a Piriformis Tear?
Piriformis problems can cause hip and buttock pain. This syndrome is often overlooked because so many problems are related to sacral problems.
The Sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle have a close relationship so an injured or imbalanced pirifomis muscle can cause sciatic pain. The sciatic nerve travels along the greater sciatic foramen deep and along the inferior surface of the piriformis muscle.
What is The Function of the Piriformis?
The piriformis muscle acts as an external rotator. (Laterally rotates) Although it is classified as an abductor muscle it is not one of the main muscles that abducts the leg. It is a flexor of the hip but not a strong one.
Origin and Insertion of Piriformis
Origin: Anterior surface of the sacrum, levels of vertebrae S2 through S4.
Insertion: Upper Outer border of the leg bone (greater trochanter of femur).
Muscles with a close relationship include obturator internus and gemelli muscles
