The piriformis muscles begins inside the pelvis. The piriformis connects to each side of your sacrum and to the greater trocanter (the bump of bone on the top side of each hip). The piriformis is primarily an external rotator. This means that as the muscle works, it helps to turn the foot and leg outward. Tightness in the piriformis can cause problems with the sciatic nerve. This is because the sciatic nerve runs through and under the piriformis.
When your piriformis is too tight, it irritates the sciatic nerve, lead to pain in the butt, referring pain along the long and even all the way down to the foot. Limitations in the piriformis can also translate into lower back pain.
To prevent or relieve low back pain, come for a Stretch & Release class and get tips on how to release your piriformis.