What i'd pyriformis muscle pain like and is it linked to sciatica?

Similar: Piriformis muscle spasm can cause sciatica.

Difficult to Tell: Sciatica stemming from a lumbar related issue and pyriformis syndrome causing compression of the sciatic nerve can produce very similar symptoms. An examination and especially MRI imaging of the lumbar spine would help to differentiate the two issues. Treatment is different so an accurate diagnosis is essential.

Tough to separate: Sciatica symptoms can occur in both. The lumbar MRI can rule out stenosis or disc problems, but to prove a "peripheral sciatica", an EMG of the proximal sciatic nerve can help confirm. But this is a highly specialized and skilled procedure and is not done by many physicians.

Piriformis Pain: The sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis muscle and typically does not irritate the nerve. However if the muscle is irritated or the nerve runs through the belly of the muscle (5-10% of people) it can press on the sciatic nerve and cause the sciatica type pain in the buttock region but also radiate into the leg as well. Typically stretching and nsaids are mainstay for treatment.