A condition marked by pain in the hip and buttock that radiates up into the lower back and down the leg. In women, the pain may occur during sexual intercourse. This is caused by entrapment of the sciatic nerve as it passes through the piriformis muscle in the buttock. Because the symptoms mimic those caused by a herniated lumbar disk, the syndrome may be confused with that disease. Treatment includes physical therapy to relieve pressure, ultrasound to reduce muscle spasm, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Surgical therapy to free the entrapped nerve may be necessary.